FSE

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We stayed in that sector for a few days, the size of the fleet that surrounded us was impressive to say the least. Eight flag ships and five fleet squadrons of ships amounting to nearly a hundred ships in a tight holding pattern around the Sovereign and the Algeron. Master was busy constantly between diplomatic negotiations and keeping the fleets organised.

Once we returned to the quarters at the end of each day he was usually exhausted and too tired to do more than eat, bathe and then sleep. The much awaited breaking in was still to come and I was growing more and more frustrated that I was having to wait. However I was sure that Master was getting frustrated too.

“Are we all in agreement then?" Master asked from the captain's chair, on the view screen was every flagship captain in the current fleet “The Red Pride, Patriarch, Valerian and Furor as well as Fleets Two and six will join the Sovereign to form the first fleet and proceed to the Thar system. The Judicator, Ardent Spire, Providence and Penitence will take fleets Four, seven and Nine and tow the Algeron to Area Eighty Seven for analysis. The data core will be delivered as soon as the business at Thar is concluded."

“Yes Emperor." Came the response from not just those on screen but from those on the bridge around us. I stood obediently behind him, my leash connecting me to his chair as usual. Master had told me that he was working on stuff I could do while he was busy but sadly hadn't been able to get time to work on it. So for now I stood loyally behind him watching silently knowing if he needed me he would ask for me.

“Excellent, you all have your orders, I expect you to all follow them out to the letter, this event is classified top level, make sure everyone under you knows that, understood?" he asked and there was another round of 'Yes Emperor' from all of them. The screen cut out a second later returning to the view of space and Master gave a tired sigh. He had not been sleeping well despite my best efforts to help him.

“Ok, let's get this show on the road, Captain Markeus if you would please." Master called resting back.

“Yes my Emperor," the dragon answered stepping forward “Helm, connect with the ships listed before and begin preparations to jump to the Thar system. Science stations begin the course calculations, Tower, contact docking bays to close space doors and secure all moorings!"

“Engineering, report drive status and ship repair progress." Master enquired.

“Drive online and all green, we have worked out what the problem was and have corrected it. Repairs are well under way with all external repairs completed, we expect internal repairs to be completed in three days unless there are complications." there was a beep and a holographic display came up for me surprisingly.

Master had set me up as his contact for personal messages over the last few days. He had been too busy handling everything else to be able to handle all of that as well. This was the first message that I had actually needed to receive and it saddened me to read it.

“Message for you Master its marked priority one," I said softly drawing his attention “It's from Doctor Kaydex in Medbay one... Crowned Prince Kendo and Prince Ronen have been released to their quarters... Prince Lief passed away ten minutes ago." The room got silent and everyone turned to look at me making me squirm and blush a little at the attention. Even the large lion had a look of shock on his face at the news. If it weren't for the soft, natural hum of the ship around us we would have been able to hear a pin drop.

“I see," Master answered after a minute his voice unsteady “Anything else?"

“The funeral will be held in two days," I said reading the rest of the message “The doctor suggests you make time to see your brother and to attend the funeral." he nodded and sighed.

“Very well... I will see what I can do," he answered before looking back forwards seeming disturbed “Tower, you are not to report this, I will make an official statement later. David, clear my schedule for today. Captain please get us under way immediately." the activity picked up again as everyone went back to what they were doing and got us under way.

“I am sorry for this David, Joka, Neos but I need to see Reon alone." Master said as we stood in the dining room “I shouldn't be more than an hour or two, that should be enough time for you all to have lunch."

“Yes sir, he will be well looked after," Joka said and gently placed a hand on my shoulder making me look up at him.

“Have no fear your majesty" Neos said with a smile “When you return for him, he will be full of food and in one piece, you have our word." Master nodded and gave me a soft pat to the head before walking out.

“Kaydex will be here soon, we should get seated." Neos said and we quickly made our way to our places. We were looking over the menus when the doctor made his appearance and sat, apologising again for being late.

Conversation was intermittent and light hearted, no one wanting to bring up the elephant in the room due to just how much it may hurt.

“So, David, how you handling the new changes to your body?" Kaydex asked midway through the main course “Sat on your tail yet?"

“I'm handling it ok I guess... tripped over a few times, still trying to get used to the changes in my stance," I answered truthfully “And... yes I have... too many times." they all chuckled loudly making me blush a little more.

“It's a common thing," Kaydex said with a smile waving his fork at me absent-mindedly between maw-fulls “Till about the age of about ten, most cubs continue to sit on their tail, it takes a while to get used to."

“Hopefully not ten years though… Master mainly complains about it when I whip him over the face with it when it's wet." I replied and they laughed again.

“At least I'm not the only one who suffers that" Neos said with a smile “Tall dark and sexy here does it all the time."

“I don't do it intentionally!" Joka protested “You just keep going behind me when I get out of the bath!"

“My mate isn't on board," Kaydex announced shoving a bit more fish into his maw “It's hard for me to do my work with him around, it's always 'but the kittens' this and 'oh the kittens' that... The kittens will be fine! It's not like I'm running a marathon or putting myself in danger!"

“Calm down doc, anger causes stress, stress harms the kittens," Neos said with a chuckle and Kaydex shot him an irritated look “Well it's true?"

“Your lucky I have fish!" he growled out forking more into his mouth and we all laughed.

Master returned just as we were getting started on the desert. A huge bowl of hot chocolate pudding in front of me while Kaydex had a huge slice of chocolate cake, which almost looked like half a cake. Joka had Mint chocolate ice cream and Neos had a slice of red velvet cake. Master looked stressed and upset, saddened by his trip to see his brother.

“Master..." I started looking up at him and he just shook his head and sat next to me.

“Don't want to discuss it," he said simply “Needless to say none of them look well." we all nodded and I looked to my food then slid it over to the large lion with a smile. He looked down at it and then shook his head and started to slide it back but I stopped him.

“No, no... Master... you need it more than I do," I told him with a smile, my tail wagging behind me “Eat it for me? Please?"

“Why?" he asked softly “It will change little." I got up and stepped over to him and gave a hug around his neck and soft kiss to the cheek. I didn't care if the others were watching or listening, this mattered to me.

“Because you are my Master and I am your slave," I said slowly “You are hungry, I know you are, you hardly touched breakfast and have missed Lunch. I would be neglectful in my duty if I didn't make sure you were ok. So eat it... for me... please?" he gave a gusty sigh and when I pulled back he was giving me a soft smile.

“Ok, I guess I can't refuse such a heartfelt plea can I?" he asked me with a chuckle and picked up the spoon. I smiled back at him and returned to my chair, content to watch him eat knowing that he was eating something. A big dinner, that was what I had planned for that night and if I had to force him to eat it by tying him down and force feeding it to him, I would. Knowing him though he would have liked that, a bit more than he would ever be willing to admit publicly at least.

We had free time after the meal and master decided to finally give me a tour of the ship. It was badly disguised as an inspection but I didn't mind one bit. The ship was elegant in its design and decor even in the engineering room. It was a little loud but I was impressed seeing the jump core, it was a large glowing orb surrounded by four rotating rings. These rings were all connected to each other and in turn to the outside of the room it was contained in.

The core itself was the centre glowing orb. It reacted the elements needed for the drive to make the jumps possible. As a result it gave off a unique kind of radiated heat which was cooled by the coolant flowing through the rings which was in turn run through the ship to ducts on the hull to cool it down. The coolant was also used to heat other drives and machinery before its inevitable cool down leading to more efficiency. The design was new and unique and promised longer jump distances in a single burn.

After the inspection of the engine room we inspected the damaged areas. There was a huge amount of damage, a great hole in the side of the ship where the torpedos had impacted was covered over by temporary hull plating. The area was still sealed off by force fields but you could easily see between the five decks that it had blasted open.

Eventually we returned to our quarters, master flopping into his chair with a heaved huff and sigh.

“I will get dinner ready." I said making my way to the kitchen but he stopped me grabbing my wrist.

“No, David," he said softly “Reon and I have discussed a banquet in Lief's honour, it will be in an hour or so. We should get ready for it."

“But... aren't things like that hosted After the funeral?" I asked confused and he shook his head.

“Normally yes, however he decided that this would be for the public announcement of his passing. The wake after the funeral will be a private affair." he told me and I nodded watching as he slowly got up “We should bathe and prepare... as this is a royal event normally you wouldn't be permitted to join in eating with us, however my brother insisted, since you did save us from further losses."

He guided me into the bathroom where we showered together. Master having grown a liking for my fingers rubbing through his fur as we bathed. My clothing was the same as the first day I was permitted out of the room on a leash, down to the sparkly collar I wore. He wore a more regal looking garb. Instead of a one piece under suit he had a top that covered his shoulders and arms midway to the elbows and his pectorals. His pants covered down to his knees with the usual loincloth between his legs with his symbol emblazoned on it, his crown was more elaborate and larger than usual as well.

I helped brush his fur before he pulled his jacket on. It had no sleeves and wasn't joined at the front with gold on the hems while the rest was white. He assisted me in brushing my own fur before slipping a jacket like his onto me with a smile.

“This is the one piece that you will be required to wear at all royal functions, understand?" he asked and I nodded “Good, now, several people may try to confront you when you sit to join the meal, the only two you will need to answer to is myself or Reon understand? If anyone tries to confront you, turn them to one of us."

“Yes Master." I told him giving a smile. He nodded and clipped the leash to my collar before heading out of the room.

When we entered the grand hall that the dinner was to take place there was already a large crowd of people, all of them Nobles of some manner or another. Kaydex was mingling with Joka while Neos was off schmoozing with someone else. All eyes turned to regard us as we walked in and Master merely waved his hand to dismiss any thoughts of prostration.

Reon was over to one side of the room, looking worse for ware and lost in thought. His fur had mostly regrown and he looked better rested than before however he was using a cane to walk around and seemed to be resting on it heavily. Around the room wandered servers with trays of Hors d'Oeuvres and champagne although Reon didn't seem to be partaking in any of them.

Close by him was the large bull that had been in the medbay with him whom I could only guess was named Ronen from the report I had read earlier. He looked better than before however had one arm in a sling and was missing the horn on the left side of his head.

Next to him was a pair of horses who frankly looked like body builders. Perfectly muscular and hourglass figures and could be mistaken for twins if it wasn't for their fur colours being complete opposites. One was pitch black with a white outfit that looked much like Masters but without the jacket over top. The other was as white as Master was with identical clothes to the other but in black.

Close by was another who looked interesting, he was thin and trim with a surfers look to his physique. He reminded me of a character from a game that I once saw years ago, similar in design but with subtle differences. Two ears upon his head with two horns between them and a tube connecting the back of his head to his back like a neck. His face was feline in design with a wide smile but he had a blindfold over his eyes. He only had two fingers and a thumb on each hand and two toes on each foot which were digitigrade much like my own.

He was covered in soft grey fur from head to toe and a long thick, blue tail that waved lazily behind him. He had plates of blue scales on his chest, arms, knuckles and thighs which looked quite tough. Sadly he also sported singed fur to his chest, side and tail suggesting he had been present at the time of the explosion.

Next was a large muscled dragon who seemed to loom at the back like a bodyguard but he was close enough to still count in the interesting family so far. His black body with purple belly scales glistened like well polished glass and it was only the clothes he wore that broke it up. His clothing was a mix between what the stallions wore and an armour kind of design in a purple like his belly scales. Plates on his shoulders and around his hips but still had a formal appearance to it. He was uninjured I noted, possibly due to either not being there or his tough scales having protected him.

Next was an elderly lion who was looking after a large bellied tiger. He didn't look that remarkable but he did have a lot of scars on his face and chest. He wore the same clothing that I did as well as a tight collar around his neck signifying him as a slave but had no leash attached to his collar, showing he had been one for quite a while. He did have quite a few recent injuries, singed fur and bandages covering some of his chest. He also seemed to favour his left arm over his right.

The tiger he was doting on reminded me a lot of Kaydex. His belly domed massively showing the obvious signs of incoming kittens. He did however have a cheery disposition and smiled at everyone he spoke with. He was mostly unharmed although he did have signs of singing on his fur from the explosions but his clothing mostly concealed that.

Lastly was a large wolf who stood not to far from the dragon. His fur was blue and he had green markings where normally would be white. He had the same clothing on as the dragon but in a green as compared to the dragons purple. He too was unharmed and seemed to be watching out over the group much like the before mentioned dragon.

Master walked us over towards them, his brother turning to look at him and cut off the conversation he was having with an orca and a husky. Master dropped my leash momentarily, my hand catching it and holding it out as was the law as he embraced his brother tightly.

“Thank you for coming," Reon said simply as they broke apart “You brought David, good just like I asked."

“Wouldn't miss it for anything," Master said simply with a smile and took my leash back into his hand “And of course, where else would he be?"

“In your room tied to the bed?" the strange feline from before asked walking over with a light limp. Even though he had the blindfold on it felt like he could see me.

“Now, now, behave Merin," Reon scolded lightly “David, this is Merin, he was the first boy I adopted."

“He was a human," Master said with a chuckle “A long time ago he was anyway. He is obsessed with a character in some ancient human game and decided to undergo numerous augmentations to achieve the look."

“Sadly it required a bit of hybridisation" Merin interjected “A little too much dragon DNA caused the horns and scales."

“If you don't mind me asking... your eyes?" I asked and he chuckled.

“Don't mind at all, I get it a lot. I can see perfectly," he replied with a smile “The DNA problem caused me to gain a hypersensitivity to light sadly, so I need the blindfold to block out about ninety percent of it."

“In a pitch black room with no light sources he can see perfectly," Reon said with a chuckle “Probably better than we can with the lights on. Here let me introduce you to the others, My bull here is Ronan. he's something of a caretaker slash big brother to everyone. The stallion twins are Ebony and Ivory. Definitely daddies boys those two I can tell you." Kendo said as the horses blushed bashfully and giggled like little schoolgirls.

"My dragon Dedrick and my wolf Baddo both consider themselves my bodyguards and I'm not one to argue. Long as I say you're ok, they'll be just fine with you. Takash is my tiger there. He was part of an experiment that tried to make males be able to inseminate themselves. I can tell you the details about that illegal surgery later but it worked. He'll be expecting his first litter in a few months." the Tiger smiled and nodded up at me rubbing his belly mouthing 'worth it'.

“And last but not least, Nyios there is my only boy I consider a slave," he said, gesturing to the older lion who simply nodded in return. "He is the only person alive who has seen the insides of the Eternal up close and personal. Sadly he went AWOL before it went missing. He's not really all that bad but he is a great source of advice when you need it." he said. Although the prince seemed to be alright as he introduced me to them all, I felt like it all just an act, that he was trying very hard not to just simply up and leave the whole affair.

Not that I could blame him, the days events had to have hit him hard both emotionally and physically. They probably had to drag him away from the Medbay kicking and screaming after Lief passed.

“I am sorry I couldn't meet them in better times." I said softly to Reon who just sighed and noded.

“Or meet Lief... you two would have gotten on well." he responded sadly and I gently placed my hand on top of his on his cane.

“This is supposed to be a celebration of his life Prince Reon," I told him making him blink down at me “We aren't here to mourn his passing, that is something we do in our own ways that we can't share with others. This event, the funeral and the wake after it are us celebrating his life and the joy he shared in it. He may be gone but he is here with us in a way and he always will be... Right here." I placed my hand on his chest and smiled up to him and he looked almost speechlessly down at me and there was silence around us.

“So smile Prince Reon, like he would want you to." I finally added before he embraced me in a tight hug and I felt him gasp out a soft sob against my hair. I hugged him back with a smile, feeling his warm soft fur under my hands.

“Damn him for getting to you before I did," he said referring to the Emperor with a chuckle thrown in and pulled back “And thank you... I needed that... where did you get such an outlook?"

“When you run a colony that is diminishing every day... and you see your friends and family either dropping like flies or just up and leaving... you adapt to take it all in stride because it's all you can do." I answered him truthfully. Seeing him smile made it all worthwhile even if I was getting looks from others.

“The meal starts soon," he said and he adjusted himself “Let us take our seats... you should be seated with Leniad, let him sit first." I nodded and we made our way to the head table. He passed my leash off to Master who sat next to Reon's right after clipping my leash to his chair. I waited till he was seated before taking my own, earning a gasp from around the room.

“Scandalous!" one voice said aloud.

“A slave sitting with their betters like they are an equal!" came another.

“To even have it at such an event! How Vulgar!" another spoke. I shrank with each comment, blush covering my face and wanted to hide. I was going to either burst into tears or run from the room... or both, six months be damned when I looked to Master and Prince Reon. They were gesturing at each other as if asking who would go first. This continued for almost ten seconds before both lions roared loudly and angrily silencing the room.

My master looked at his brother as if wanting to ask if he should deal with it but the prince was already standing. He looked like he was trying rather hard to control his rage as he used his cane for support.

"David, is here because, in case you idiots didn't know, he saved us from further casualties by alerting us to the fact that we were heading into a trap," he said firmly, but loudly enough that no-one could object about hearing him. "He broke multiple laws regarding slavery to avoid getting anyone else hurt, risking his own neck in the process. So, he is here because I asked him to be, to honour his actions for saving our lives." he said as he narrowed his eyes and he glared over the room, Master giving a soft sigh knowing that his brother could handle this.

"So if anyone here would like to cause an issue over this, while I am currently mourning the loss of someone that I held very special to me, I'll personally put you in the nearest escape pod and have you removed from this fucking ship!" he snarled loudly and angrily "If any of you have a fucking problem, NOW IS THE DAMN TIME!" he practically shouted making me shrink back in my chair again.

There was silence so thick that it could have been deafening and master had his hand on my thigh to try to comfort me.

"I thought so," the Prince finally said as he sat back down with a huff and I got a 'pst' from next to me. I turned to see Merin with a smile on his face and he seemed to be watching my reactions carefully.

“Thanks for earlier with Daddy and sorry about that," he said not breaking his smile and he offered me a tissue to dry my face which I took gratefully “I would comment of stuffy know it alls thinking they know best but I won't, its best not to acknowledge them." I just nodded and dried my eyes.

“I just don't want to embarrass Master or Prince Reon." I told him softly as conversations picked up around the room again.

“Ah don't worry about that, you should have seen the looks he got when he adopted me, or the ones we got after my change." he said waving his hand dismissively “Anyway, I hope you will like the food, everything on the menu are Lief's favourites. They may look a little funny but trust me, If I can eat them, so can you." I nodded and he smiled more wrapping his arm around my shoulder and gave me a sideways hug.

“It is going to be a seven course meal," Master said from my other side drawing my attention “If at any stage you feel you can't eat any more just let us know ok?" I nodded and gave him a smile.

“What can he drink?" Merin asked across me “I'm guessing the hard stuff like Tiger Ale and Dragor liqueur are out... how about Lunarei wine or Manardil meed?"

“I would prefer he not get wasted," Master said with a chuckle “He is unsteady enough on his paws as it is, he did just get augmented not too long ago."

“No guarantees!" Merin replied next to me with a chuckle “I'll avoid the strong stuff..." he opened a small holo display and typed in something before waving it away.

“Careful David... Merin likes his booze... it's bound to blow your fur off it you aren't careful." Master warned from beside me as a server walks forward and offers him a glass and bottle of wine.

“He once got Lief drunk off of one glass." Reon added with a chuckle “Poor boy was hugging the toilet for an hour screaming that the ship was spinning in circles and doing loop-de-loops."

“He complained that his fur ruffling in the morning was too loud the next day," Merin said with an eye roll “This is the weak stuff, won't hurt him." a server approached and placed a glass in front of me, placing one in front of Merin as well. I eyed it suspiciously before picking it up and giving it a curious sniff.

“Cheers!" Merin said toasting and we clinked glasses “The liver is evil and must be punished!" he downed his glass while I chuckled a little before taking a sip. It was fruity, with a slight after burn from the alcohol but wasn't anything impressive.

“Huh.. not what I expected" I mused with a smile and downed the glass much to their surprise “The stuff we used to make was stronger than this... could de-grease an engine too."

“Well I guess we will step it up a notch then for the next one" Merin mused with a smile “Maybe I finally got a drinking buddy!"

“Not once he is full of kittens you don't." Reon said with a chuckle as the first course was served which was a simple meaty soup. I waited for everyone else to start, especially Master before I started to eat my own. It had a strong bold meaty flavour if a little salty for my tastes with a rainbow of other subtle tastes in it.

“I think he liked that course," Baddo said from the other side of Merin with a chuckle “Here try giving him this drink." he brought up a display and typed something in, Merin giggling and pointing to something and they both nodded before concluding the order.

“I think I'm going to regret having them selecting my drinks." I muttered looking to Master who just chuckled and shrugged his shoulders.

“If you ever want to tell them 'no' feel free to do so," he told me as the dishes were cleared away “Baddo has a decent taste in his alcohol, so you should be ok with what he selects... if it steams and fizzes though be careful."

I nodded and a plate of Lionie salmon was placed down in front of me along with two glasses, One of red wine and the other of something that looked like a simple glass of wine. I eyed both of them suspiciously not sure which one was the drink that had been ordered for me.

“The red wine is the staple with this course" Master told me with a purr “It's colour and bold flavour compliments the fish. The other drink is from them and I hope that isn't what I think it is." I blinked and nodded a little timidly picking up the drink and took a sip.

It was smooth, almost impossibly, with a sharp burn at the back of my throat. Its after taste was woody and bold but wasn't bad. I decided id save that for after the course or to drink when no one else was watching. The salmon was delicious and the wine did indeed make it taste even better, the pair complimenting each other.

Once I was done eating I sipped at the other drink intermittently, finishing it before the dishes were collected. I was starting to feel buzzed from all the alcohol I was consuming and before they even asked I had shaken my head in refusal of another drink.

The next course was served a minute or two later, the glass goblet containing a serving of sorbet. I had a spoon full, finding it sharp and sweet, strongly tasting of citrus. I had never been a huge fan of citrus so I ended up poking it around looking guilty for not wanting it.

“It's ok if you don't want it David," Master said next to me drawing my attention “It isn't everybody's cup of tea, the roast course should be more to your tastes." I nodded and rested back against my seat.

“Sorry master, I have just never really been fond of citrusy or acidic foods." I admitted and he noded.

“Again, that is ok. Don't push yourself to eat something you don't like." he told me smiling “You won't be punished for it."

“I'll have it!" came the call from Takash on the other side of Prince Reon getting a chuckle from everyone. I nodded and passed it down to him. The tigers face lit up and he started eating it enthusiastically.

As the dishes were cleared away we were given some time to just sit and chat while the roast course was being prepared. Master talked openly with his brother about the evening and how it was going reasonably well all things considered. Merin instantly turned to Baddo and started talking leaving me to sit alone and look out over the crowd.

I was still getting glares occasionally, mostly from the more stuck up looking nobles, hateful looks that made me feel I wasn't wanted at all. I figured it was because they wanted to be in my place, sitting at the side of their Emperor on the head table. I'm sure they would get that chance if they ever hosted their own event but on this occasion they could merely sit and watch.

Some of the looks were more spiteful than that but before I could indicate the discomfort they were causing me to Master, a large plate of roasted meat and vegetables was placed before me. A glass of red wine accompanied the meat and it all smelled heavenly.

Since becoming a slave I hadn't actually had a chance to have anything like this. Even before on the colony we rarely had roasts as the energy needed to cook and prepare them was greater than we could afford. That and it would have meant slaughtering one of our animals and they were a precious thing at that time.

A thick gravy was poured on top and I almost dug in before thinking. However my slave mind caught up with me and I waited till Master and Prince Kendo started eating first, digging into my own not long after. It was rich and fatty, a little gamey but was still very tender and tasted far better than it looked.

“I think we have a winner," Reon said with a chuckle “Seems like he likes his meat thick and juicy!" there was a round of chuckles and I blushed deeply.

“Now, now be nice," Master scolded him playfully “Just ignore him David, he is teasing you and trying to get a reaction."

“Its working!" Merin announced with a giggle “I don't know what's more red, his face or the wine! Then again the alcohol could be having that effect on him too." I squirmed in place, not wanting to admit anything as I continued to eat. Under the Table Master had his leg and foot pressed against my own, his tail curled up around mine.

I finished the food far faster than I would have liked even if I did take my time and savour each bite. The plate was cleared away, my glass too once I finished my wine and my napkin replaced for some reason. I felt so out of my comfort zone, this was far too formal an etiquette for me but I was trying to remain appropriate for Master and Prince Reon's sake.

Desert was served not too much later with a glass of Champagne with a strawberry in the bottom. The desert wasn't overly huge but was bigger than I had expected. A large chocolate soufflé placed in front of me that wobbled slightly as it was placed.

“Best to eat it quickly" Merin said from next to me “They like to collapse quickly when they cool down… and our tiger is eyeing it off." I looked down the table at said tiger seeing he was trying to get at everyone else's desert except his own and I chuckled rolling my eyes.

I was struggling to eat now, feeling bloated and full from just so much. The portions may have been reasonably sized but there was just so much that my stomach was complaining due to being unused to large meals.

“Last course is more a formality than anything you must eat," Baddo said leaning over behind Merin as he seemed to have notice my discomfort “It's usually a communal thing, at least for each table, of cheese, crackers and a coffee. I would recommend the coffee at least." I nodded and finished off the soufflé, putting down my spoon with a groan and sat back.

“So full" I said with a groan rubbing my belly and Master chuckled softly.

“Don't worry, once it's kittens in there that's making you full, you will be able to get through that much with ease… Case in point." he gestured to Takash who was still trying to get at everyone else's food although his own was now gone. I chuckled lightly and nodded looking out over the room as I finished the glass of champagne. True to form, the dishes were all cleared and some platters of assorted cheeses, crackers and small fruit was placed in front of us.

“Would you like a coffee David?" Master asked with a soft purr and I nodded.

“Cappuccino please." I requested and he smiled making the order. There was a pop sound and I looked towards it to see Dedrick had lit a cigar. Master followed my gaze and chuckled.

“Cigars are a customary for those who smoke," he said matter of factly “Unlike centuries ago, they don't pose a health hazard like they used to, it's mainly all for the flavour and habit now days."

“I know," I respond “I...used to smoke before you captured me… was good stress release especially when running a colony." he nodded and typed something onto the holo display he was using to order our drinks. When the coffee arrived I quickly added a sugar before I noticed there was a tube sitting next to it. Red with a gold seal on it with the Emperors marking on the gold seal.

“You won't get many of these," Master said matter of factly “Once you become pregnant you wont get any. These are from the royal selection, it's the best of the best, savour them while you can understand?" I nodded and picked it up, opening the tube carefully and pulled out the cigar.

Master leaned across and lit it for me once It had been clipped, letting me puff away happily as I drank my after dinner coffee. I was full and possibly going to suffer one hell of a hangover in the morning from the amount of alcohol I had consumed. However while I smoked the cigar, I felt more comfortable and was more capable of ignoring the heated glares being shot my way especially when I blew smoke in their direction to conceal their faces.

I was distracted from my musing by a beeping sound and Prince Reon stood up drawing the attention of everyone in the room. Glasses of champagne were quickly placed at every table despite it being the end of the meal. I knew what was coming, the announcement and I could tell the others at the table were uncomfortable and nervous about it.

“I wish to thank you all for coming first," he said loudly “This dinner was in memory of Prince Lief, as many of you are aware, he and many of my family were injured in the recent attack against this ship. Sadly, this morning, he lost his struggle against the injuries he inured while saving others, myself included and passed away peacefully. He will be dearly missed by all. So please, stand and raise your glass in joining me in a toast to his memory."

The room stood as one, every one raising their glass ready. Master pressed a few commands on a holo display, releasing an official statement of the death to the empire before he stood and did the same.

“To Lief!" Reon called grimly, getting the same back from the room before we all downed our glasses.