All That Glitters Ch. 71

All That Glitters - A Space Odyssey

Chapter Seventy-One:

Byandi mating ceremony part 2.

The Mylatrin claims her Caltan part 2.

© LACLarke 2025. This series 'All That Glitters - A Space Odyssey', in whole or in part, cannot be transferred to any other site without the prior authorizations in writing from the author and LAClarke must be credited for this work.

I claim sole responsibility for the story line. This story is a fantasy, with no basis in reality. Any similarity that you may perceive to current events, people, or situations real or imaginary is completely unintended. Look no further than the story line for its intent and purpose.

Point of reference: Castada is a Byandi word that can carry different meanings dependant on how it is used. Castada de Mylatin, refers to Mylatin's Castle in the Sky (the Byandi phrase for heaven). Castada ne Mylatin, refers to the Grand Palace of the Byandi. Castada se Mylatin, refers to the Cathedral that is contained within the palace. Castada lat Mylatin, refers to the Citadelle or fortress that surrounds and protects the palace in Mylatin City.

'Nuff said... Enjoy.

Castada ne Mylatin, Mylatin City, Mylatinyl, The Byandi Realm, 550 Light Years from Terra

The palace maids were helping the Mylatrin to get ready for the early morning exercise session when the Brucomma Amitta rushed through the door into her apartment.

^Mylatrin! The great Seeket Tree has bloomed!^ she practically shouted.

The Mylatrin smiled and turned to one of the maids. ^Inform all of those who will be in the exercise session that it will be held at the front end of the Grand Hall this morning. Make sure the atrium doors are opened. I wish to revel in the scent of the blooms.^

************

The Mylatrin came into the Grand Hall and saw her Caltan-To-Be enter from another door. She smiled as she saw him. This morning, he wore no sash of office, only his Kettanet pants and boots. The Kettanet was a large, fast, and powerful fish hunted by the Byandi. Their small scales were as strong as steel and their skin was flexible, which made an excellent material for protective pants and boots. The Mylatrin too, was wearing much the same.

The Byandi had a thin but dense layer of subcutaneous fat that helped keep them warm in the sometimes cold oceans. For this reason, both males and females tended to go bare chested as a typical dress code. Especially so when they were exercising.

Corruun noted that the Mylatrin and Tullo both wore an air of authority around them like a living cloak. Anyone who saw them, even as dressed-down as they were, could not help to realize their importance.

Corruun was keeping a close watch on the other participants in this exercise session, especially so the Piscium family. She had been stunned by their capabilities the night before. Not only did many of them have strong empathic capacity, they were also well trained in self defence, even the Piscium Mallitana. Despite the Mylatrin's familiarity with the family, she considered them a serious threat to the Mylatrin and the Royal Family.

As she watched them perform, she noted that the members of the family also wore cloaks of authority. That made sense in a bizarre way: Fayad, the patriarch, was recognized as a Dragon and Sai-Rai by the Asocans and the Pod-Drran. He was also the Director of Liramor-23.

Hanalei Anar, the first wife, was designated Gurn by the Asocans and respected by all she had contact with. Junelliya, the second wife, was designated Atohan by the Pod-Drran and the Maha-Rrin, and Palda by the Asocans. Even the Mallitana carried themselves with obvious airs; though they had grown up in wealth, the parents ensured that the children remained grounded and the children made friends in the full gamut of the wealth spectrum from royalty to paupers. Even so, there was no question that these two were part of a powerful family. She had seen the same thing from the children of the Royal Family.

Not only the children, but the family's servants held airs of authority. And well deserved... Silvie Kinlo was one of the best aides that Corruun had ever encountered, easily matching the Mylatrin's aides Lafassa and Lauara, while the guardian Violletiya was possibly a match for any of her Brucomma! Krissiya, the children's nanny, was also a strong fighter, more than a match for most of the Brucomma. And both of them were strong Grand Master Empaths as they had displayed in last night's incident. The eight of them had easily subdued the majority of Fasso's coup.

Yesterday, it had been rather chilly and the great glass doors at the front of the Grand Hall had been closed and frosted, not allowing people to see into the atrium. Ergo, the participants had not seen the great tree.

The morning, the weather was much better and the doors were open, creating a feel of a much larger space. The glass over the doors was electronically cleared at the push of a button. This allowed people to see the tree and let the most exquisite perfume enter the hall.

^Aunty Adriné, what is that smell?^ Zarreniya asked before the exercises started.

^That is the smell of the flowers of the great Seeket Tree. It only blooms once every ten years and the fruit it produces has known rejuvenation and medicinal properties for Byandi. I will show it to you after our session,^ Adriné replied.

^It smell really nice,^ Ikekiya stated. She was prevented from saying more as Kim called the group together. They went through their physical exercises and then started up the emphatic and telepathic exercises afterward. However, all of the empaths were distracted and it clearly showed during the practice sessions.

Ikekiya and Zarreniya kept looking over their shoulders to the open doors throughout the empathic and telepathic exercises. And they were not alone.

"Mamma, do you feel it?" Zarreniya asked her mother.

"It is the same feeling we have when we become Palda," Ikekiya added.

"I do feel it," Junelliya answered, giving a significant look to Councillors Petronellaya and Elliya.

"The girls are not the only ones to have noticed, Junelliya," Krissiya interjected. She had noted the Byandi children being somewhat distracted during their training.

"What do you feel, Mylatrin?" Petronellaya asked, curious as to how potent the feelings from the tree were.

^I feel something tugging at me from the other side of the door,^ Tullo answered for his Mate-To-Be. She, her children, and Vellda all nodded in agreement. The Mylatrin moved, and all those who were sensitive to empathy followed her through the open doors into the roofless atrium, where the great Seeket Tree was rooted.

^This Seeket Tree is the oldest living thing on Mylatinyl. It was planted here more than five thousand years ago,^ the Mylatrin explained.

The tree was massive, more than ten meters wide and forty meters tall. Despite its purported age, it was filled with life. The tree's bark was a silvery colour while the greenish/blue leaves were large, leathery in nature, and seemed to have a wax coating on them similar to a rubber fig from Terra.

A plethora of large, very colourful flowers, bloomed directly from the tree's bark. There were hundreds of them. A most delightful scent cascaded from the blooms to assail the noses of all present, the scent being almost overwhelming inside the atrium. But, for those who could sense it, there was another presence... It was empathy on a grand scale!

"This tree is rooted on a three-way magnetic node," Councillor Elliya stated. She had found herself to be sensitive to planetary magnetic lines after the Palda incident on AsocAR.

The Mylatrin nodded to her. ^You do know that we Byandi have a line of sensors on our body called Utressenti, that allow us to sense the bio-electric output of our prey?^

"Yes, it's similar to what is called the ampullae of Lorenzini in Terran sharks," Elliya admitted.

^My Utressenti is going crazy at all the magnetic responses going on near this tree. Add to that, my increased empathy from all of our recent trainings over the last year, and all of my senses are responding heavily to what is going on.^

^This tree is connected to all other trees,^ Zarreniya stated. ^Can you not feel it?^

Zarreniya touched her mother and the Mylatrin, who could then sense the underlying 'conversation'.

^What do you mean, 'connected'?^ Mylat Errlla demanded, a shiver running up her spine as she looked strangely at Zarreniya.

^There are other trees on nodes all over Mylatinyl,^ Ikekiya informed them.

"This is like the Palda incident!" Junelliya burst out. "It is not the trees that are talking but the Byandi Gods! They are speaking to each other through the magnetic lines! The trees just happen to be at the nodes."

^What does that mean, Junelliya?^ Adriné demanded, suddenly wary. ^Are the gods going to make us do things too?^

"I'm not sure, Mylatrin. It is certain that there is communication going on here. But it is not like during the Palda incident. There, the Asocan Gods needed us to help them reset the magnetic lines of the planet in order to make it healthy again. Here, the planet is already healthy. Your Gods do not need our help nor does it appear they have any direct demands. The ongoing conversation is between them and is not directed to us."

^Not now, but soon, someone will talk to them,^ Ikekiya said in the hollow sounding voice that indicated she was in prophecy mode. ^One will come that can speak to the Gods. That person is already among the Granla.^

Halitez Astalla, being next to Ikekiya, got a sense of the prophecy and looked to Adriné. ^Mylatrin, neither the person's name nor their image is available in this prophecy.^

^Why would that be?^ a vexed Adriné demanded.

"Likely because that person needs to complete some special set of conditions before the Gods will speak to him or her," Hanalei answered.

Her answer both surprised and awed the Mylatrin.

At the Mylatrin's order, the empaths all formed a circle around the great tree. Their hands connected each other to Zarreniya, who was the strongest of the telepath/empaths among the young.

Junelliya had found that she could not initially get a sense of the underlying conversation until Zarreniya had touched her. This was indeed what had initially occurred during the Palda event on AsocAR. In that instance, it had been Prakeshya who had connected her to the event. The children seemed to be more capable of the initial contact than adults but then could not understand things on the level of the adults.

^Zarreniya is correct, they are talking,^ the Mylatrin stated reveling in the level of empathic feelings that came with more Granla touching each other. ^The Seeket Trees are all planted in the Castada (cathedrals) of the twelve Goddesses/Gods of Mylatinyl. All of them are on magnetic nodes. It is a pity that no one can understand this conversation.^

"The Palda incident was an unusual event where the Goddesses/Gods of the Asocans needed to communicate with us for our help. Here, the gods do not need our help. Nor do they currently wish to communicate with us. It is amazing that we are even able to understand that this is a form of communication." Junelliya speculated.

^Aunty Adriné, this be part of graduation ceremony,^ Zarreniya said, looking up at Adriné.

^Graduation ceremony?^

^When Granla go from Granla-Itan to Granla-Ishell. They should come here and 'hear' conversation. It 'root' them to Mylatinyl, and to the people,^ Zarreniya punned getting a smile from Adriné.

"I think that would be a wonderful ceremony," Elliya commented, eying the Mylatrin.

Tullo and Adriné looked at each other and smiled. They understood that this would give them the opportunity to find the one who would be able to speak to the Gods, but more importantly, it would indeed provide for an important ceremony to mark the milestone of personal growth to Granla-Ishell. The Piscium family were making such amazing suggestions for the Granla Byandi Shollsen and the people of the Byandi realm.

Breakfast was served immediately afterward and the empaths all took the opportunity to eat in the atrium, basking in the feeling of being surrounded by the Byandi Gods. It made for a surreal moment in their lives.

Situation Room, Castada ne Mylatin, Mylatin City

Corruun came into the Situation Room for an emergency briefing immediately after the morning exercise session. The Mylatrin and Minister Tullo, now wearing their sashes of office, were already in place as senior members of the Cabinet slid into their seats. The Mylatrin did not stand on protocol during ad-hoc sessions of the Cabinet. You came when you could though most were expected to be seated before or shortly after the Mylatrin.

^Ministers,^ Adriné began. ^The head of our Brucomma has a report on an incident that happened overnight... Corruun...^

^Mylatrin, Ministers. This report is in reference to an ongoing investigation into the supporters of Fasso. He was deliberately placed into the jail cells he previously controlled below the Castada se Mylatin as it was expected that his people would know how to get into and out of those cells without being seen. We wanted to capture his people without having to fund an extensive investigation searching for them. For this reason, it was decided to let them come to us.

^We Brucomma placed several of these miniaturized cameras that we acquired from human sources in and around the cells before placing Fasso and his people there.^ Here Corruun showed the cameras and their specs to the ministers.

^Properly placed, they are virtually invisible. With these cameras, we were able to identify the people entering the jail cells to visit, talk to, and plan things with Fasso since his arrest last week. This has allowed us to identify around thirty of Fasso's senior people and fifty or so of his underlings.

^According to his own testimony, provided at Junelliya's compulsion, Fasso had been planning to attack today's Royal Mating Ceremony. His plan was to execute the members of the Royal Family, and arrest or execute many of the ministers sitting here at this table, replacing all with his own people.

^He had also planned to hold to ransom the members of the various Royal Houses of the Greater Community, with the expressed purpose of gaining 'a better political position for the Byandi government within the Greater Community'. Read into that gaining recognition for himself and his people and saving their hides from retaliation by the Greater Community.

^Last night, the vids I reviewed showed twenty-five members of the conspiracy in the jail preparing for their raid. I had planned to arrest Fasso and his group around 02:00 hrs this morning so I took a short nap. However, my nap was interrupted by the insight of a known Halitez, Soona-Patek, the prophet of the Piscium family. She contacted the Brucomma on duty outside of the Piscium family apartments at roughly 23:30 hrs, indicating that there were now fifty or more people wanting to 'hurt Aunty Adriné'.^ That got some giggles from the ministers who looked warily at the Mylatrin.

^If she wishes to call me 'Aunty' I will not object to that,^ the Mylatrin reflected with a smile.

Corruun continued. ^The new numbers caused me to amend my plans and, with the help of the Piscium family, we went after the conspirators. The numbers were higher than anticipated. In fact, we captured seventy-eight conspirators with little or no effort on our part and with little injury to either side. Mostly bruises to Fasso's people.

^With the Piscium family's help, the capture was rather anticlimactic.^ Here, Corruun showed how the Piscium family and their retainers helped to capture Fasso's people. He then showed Fasso's planner being interrogated under a compulsion from Junelliya.

^That is one formidable person,^ one of the ministers commented on seeing Junelliya's capabilities.

^Lady Junelliya is the strongest known empath of any species,^ the Mylatrin stated. ^She is slated to be inducted into the ranks of the Master Class Empaths possibly as early as this summer. There are currently only five known MCEs. Petronellaya, the current head of the Council of Empaths, is scheduled to be inducted as an MCE this summer. That will bring the total up to seven of these very formidable empaths once Lady Junelliya is inducted.^

^Only humans have MCEs?^ another minister asked.

^Other races, including we Byandi, have only just recognized our empaths,^ the Mylatrin noted with a proud smile on her face. ^It will take time to train our people to the necessary standards. But, a time will come when we too will have our Master Class Empaths or whatever name we shall call them.^ She indicated for Corruun to continue.

^More conspirators came in overnight. By 04:30 hrs, we had more than 230 in custody. We know of another eighty conspirators according to our interrogations. Arrest warrants have been sent out for the outstanding people. That concludes my report. There will be a follow-up report in a couple of weeks once we have completed our investigations.

^However, I wish to note that we could not have done all of this without the help of the Piscium family. All of them, including their support staff, helped in taking down the conspirators. Even the two Mallitana helped take down two of the criminals.

^As the Piscium family prevented a potentially deadly attack, not only against the Royal Family and senior Ministers but also the members of the ruling families of the Greater Community, I would personally request they all be awarded the Brucomma Urdo Semetess (Brucomma Gold Award - Similar to the Union Citizens Meritorious Gold Police Services Medal but only awarded at the behest of the Mylatrin).^

^Would there be any objections from my ministers to the Piscium family being awarded this medal at tomorrow's award ceremony?^ the Mylatrin asked. There were no objections.

^Lauara, ensure that the Piscium family is included in the awards ceremony and that the appropriate numbers of medals are available. Include the new medal as well. The Piscium's have earned it.

^There is a new issue that this council should be aware of. This occurred less than one hour ago. Halitez Astella was present and can explain what happened... Astella...^

Astella appraised the ministers of what had just occurred in front of the Great Seeket Tree, shocking the council.

^Is there no way to find this person ahead of time?^ a minister demanded.

^That would break the rules of prophecy, minister,^ Astella warned. ^What kind of disaster would that bring? At the very least, it could deter the Gods from speaking to us. Personally, I would not like that to happen.^

The ministers all looked around at each other but had nothing further to add.

The Mylatrin rose and all the ministers rose with her. She turned and bowed to Tullo.

^Senior Minister Tullo. Today is your last official function as Senior Minister. You have served me and the Realm in an exemplary manner. We are grateful for your efforts on the people's behalf.^ That garnered a round of applause from the attendees before they ended the emergency session.

************

Corruun called together her lieutenants immediately after the ministerial brief, in order to cover their responsibilities for the upcoming ceremony. It didn't take her long to go through the review.

^Very well, we all know our assignments. There are still some eighty of Fasso's conspirators unaccounted for though that number is dwindling by the hour. Their IDs have been sent to all of you.

^Ensure your people are aware of them. However, these are the known conspirators. There may be other conspirators we are unaware of, so we will have to be vigilant during today's event. And that is only Fasso's conspirators. Who knows how many other idiots are out there who may wish to spoil the Mylatrin's ceremony.

^I suggest you keep close to our new telepaths... they will be able to help identify those with harmful intent prior to them acting.^ Corruun identified all the known telepaths among the Granla and among the Piscium family, who had already helped the Brucomma.

^Working with talented Granla and telepaths will be a boon to us Brucomma as they mature. Cultivate their friendship. It will prove to be a future asset to all of us.^

Castada ne Mylatin, Mylatin City, Mylatinyl, The Byandi Realm

4th Sky Entertainment Network had been covering the preparations for the ceremony for several days now showing little peeks of what was going on to the Byandi Realm. Today was the big day. While the network had been unofficially 'live' since the day before, at 09:00 hrs, they connected to the ICS from the Castada ne Mylatin broadcasting to the Realm and the Greater Community.

^Welcome viewers to our coverage of the Mating Ceremony of the Century! I am Dellra ti Mytra, your host today reporting from our booth at the bottom of the Grand Stairway at the entrance gates of the Castada ne Mylatin.

^For only the fourth time in our long recorded history, and for the first time in more than 560 years, a sitting Mylatrin is taking a Caltan. The Byandi Realm, indeed the entire Greater Community, are watching today's event.

^With me in the booth are two fellow reporters from other sources. They include Cynthia ti Stewart, a human who works out of Liramor Twenty-Three and has been broadcasting the amazing events that have been seen there for several years now. Welcome Cynthia.^

"Thank you Dellra, and 4th Sky Entertainment, for allowing me to cover this big event with you. I am very pleased to be here today!"

^We are happy to have you with us, Cynthia. Also with us today is Varso ti Cotranda of the Harradi. For those who are unfamiliar with the Harradi, Varso is a male of his species. Well met, Varso.^

⸰Thank you Dellra. I too am very pleased to be reporting here on this auspicious day.⸰

^Our roving reporters include Antta, who is speaking to the guests as they make their way up the public ramp into the Castada compound for today's ceremony (the image cut away to show Antta surrounded by a crowd of cheering and waving Byandi). And the appropriately named Pelleré, who is inside the Grand Hall...^

⸰Not understanding Byandilay very well I am not sure why you say her name is appropriate, Dellra⸰ Varso interrupted.

^Ah, well, in Byandilay, peller means three, and Pelleré is the third daughter of her family. She is also our third reporter on site for 4th Sky Entertainment.^

"Very appropriate indeed," Cynthia commented with a bright flash of flat, white teeth, so different from the darker hue of conical teeth in a Byandi mouth.

^And finally, we have Sammetta, who is posted just back of the custom's office at the VIP ramp from the Castada Shuttle Port. She will, hopefully, be speaking to senior visitors from the Greater Community after passing through customs.

^Later, all our roving and host reporters will be reporting from inside the Grand Hall.

^Cynthia, you are listed as a 'professional news reporter'. What does that mean precisely?^ Dellra asked.

"It means that I make my living by reporting the news, unlike Byandi reporters who are dedicated to entertainment and report news items as an afterthought. I do the opposite by identifying and reporting on newsworthy events for our viewers and then reporting entertainment items more-or-less as a by-product of my work.

"It has been my delight to learn that my name and image are known even among the various races of the Greater Community because of my coverage of Liramor-23. There are times, however, that I find myself wishing I had the facility of languages that my little friends Ikekiya and Zarreniya Piscium have. They would be incredible reporters."

^You are referring, of course, to Li Mallitana Semetess (translates directly as 'the children of gold'), whose family are invitees to the ceremony.^

"That is correct. Lady Junelliya is expecting twin boys later this year and I understand that the Mylatrin and her new Caltan will become their Godparents during the boys' naming ceremony."

⸰Forgive me, but what is Godparents?⸰ Varso interrupted.

"Godparents used to play a very important role for newborn human children. It was a religious role, thus the name Godparents. They were often close friends of the family and, at one time, they were expected to take in the children and raise them as their own if something ever happened to the parents. Now, the role is mostly symbolic but it has been and still is used to form bonds between families.

"The Piscium family is already bonded in this way to the Kumar-Pair of the Pod-Drran, and by extension to the Pemipinae of the Maha-Rrin and the Asoc and Asost of the Asocans. The Asoc and her mate are Dusar to the Kumar-Pair. As such, the Piscium family is very well connected and soon will be connected to the Salta Family in the same manner."

^By the Gods, no wonder that family is so well known within the Community! I had no idea of the connections they have!^

"Oh yes. And most of those connections have been forged by their participation in major events. In the last five years, they have been at the forefront of many important historical episodes, often gaining recognition for their part in these affairs at great risk to their own lives.

"But it is not just the adults of the family. The Greater Community is very much impressed with Ikekiya and Zarreniya. Ikekiya became a named Halitez by predicting the return of the original Resestess and the reappearance of the Goddess Poda-La. Both children were recently involved in a deadly attack on Liramor Twenty-Three.

"The pair are also well known musical performers and will be holding a charity concert at Denders Resort this summer in aid of the Maha-Rrin injured in the Great Tremor on Maha-Oran.

"Just reporting on the exploits of the Piscium family has been a nearly full-time job for me over the last few years!"

************

Over the course of the next hour, 4th Sky Entertainment spoke to people who were on the way up the ramp and with the workers inside the Great Hall, as they prepared for the ceremony. Pelleré spent some time speaking with the cooks and serving staff about the different cuisines that would be offered during the afternoon and evening.

Exotic foods such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were shown to and tasted by Pelleré. "We use cookie cutters to make the sandwiches into shapes that appeal to the little ones," a human chef was explaining as Pelleré bit into a sandwich in the shape of a Gennel's face.

^Oh! This is too good!^ Pelleré commented as people all over the realm were salivating at the intriguing foods on display.

As the time of the opening of the great doors drew near, Pelleré moved to the antechamber of the Great Hall where she saw people coming down the stairs from the upper levels.

^I believe the receiving line is taking their place, which means that the gates will soon be opened,^ she commented, interrupting a discussion by the hosts.

^That is correct,^ Dellra agreed. ^The gates will open at 10:00 hrs in just a few minutes from now.

^I can see other people coming down the stairs,^ Pelleré commented. ^It is the Piscium family! They are joining the receiving line!^

Imagery from one of her floaters showed the Salta family on the right side of the receiving line in order of seniority with one other Byandi female with them. Almost all the females, Byandi or human, were wearing colourful but sheer saree, and all the Mylat were wearing their Gold Sashes of office.

Most Byandi went topless but with imagery from the ceremony being sent to all member planets of the Greater Community, the Royal Family had bowed to diplomatic pressure for today and chose to wear sheer sarees. The Byandi media had been so informed and had passed that on to the Byandi populace.

The exceptions to this dress code were Fayad, Junelliya and the children who were wearing formal kimono style outfits in the Piscium family colours.

The kimonos had the Piscium family crest in gold at the left shoulder and black personal crests printed all over the outfits. They also had their Pod-Drran and Asocan crests at their right shoulders.

While Junelliya wore her medals on her kimono, the remaining women wore their medals on sashes in Piscium colours as the saree would have difficulty supporting the weight of so many medals even with many of the medals being worn around their necks. All the sashes had the family crest above the individual's personal crest and Pod-Drran and Asocan personal crests below over the medals they had earned.

What amazed the viewers most though were the number of medals and accoutrements the members of the Piscium family were wearing. Even their support staff had a lot of medals!

^Who is the new person?^ Dellra asked, curious of the teen-aged Byandi female in a saree but not wearing a sash. She did already know but asked in order to inform the viewers.

"That would be Vellda ti Arrendur, the teenage daughter of Tullo ti Arrendur," Cynthia added helpfully.

^Ah. I have never met her, but it makes sense for her to be in the receiving line,^ Pelleré commented.

⸰Yes, and after your comments, Cynthia, it makes sense that the Piscium family is included in the receiving line. But why the chairs?⸰

"Well, Junelliya is pregnant with twins and would need to sit occasionally so her chair is for medical reasons. The children could not be expected to stand for such a long time either. But why five chairs? The remaining members of the family would be expected to stand."

^Oh! Look at those cute little Mallitana!^ Pelleré cooed when she saw Urra and Umma with the Piscium girls. The four little ones were walking in pairs, holding hands and chatting amicably with each other as they moved to the line.

^That is Lafassa working with the Piscium family. That makes sense as she is a senior protocol aide for the Royal Family.^ Dellra commented as Lafassa knelt to speak to the four Mallitana. When she finished, the Piscium girls gave her big hugs and kisses, making Lafassa smile and blush.

Dellra laughed. ^I've never seen Lafassa look so flustered or turn so blue before! But I wouldn't mind getting hugs and kisses like that from those two.^ That brought chuckles from all the hosts.

^Wait! The Piscium family are all wearing weapons!^ Pelleré suddenly remarked.

"They are Damates. The Piscium family has been numbered among the Asocans and wear Damates as an indicator of their status. The two little ones are listed as Shamot, the third level of childhood for Asocans where they begin their formal education, it is also the time when Asocans are presented their Damates. Of course, all of the others are listed as adults.

"Fayad also wears his Long Knife as that is his symbol as a Sai-Ro among the Pod-Drran. Their warriors would wear a Kaldar.

"You can see their Asocan crests on the sheaths. Despite being weapons, the Damate is considered an accoutrement as it designates that the person wearing it is numbered among the Asocans.

"The family would be one of a very small list of people permitted to wear weapons around the Byandi Royal Family."

^Wow, Cynthia. Your knowledge of the situation is amazing but then, you have been reporting on the family for some time now.^ Sammetta acknowledged.

^I'll ask Lafassa if I can get a quick interview prior to the doors being opened,^ Pelleré indicated and stepped toward Lafassa, who immediately blocked her from the receiving line.

^Grandné Aless (good morning), Lafassa. We would like to know if we can get a few quick words from those in the receiving line before the doors are opened?^ Pelleré asked.

Lafassa brought her to the front of the line to Mylat Alafka. ^Viewers, we are at the head of the receiving line with Mylat Alafka ti Salta, first daughter and heir of the Mylatrin Adriné ti Salta.

^Mylat Alafka, a very exciting day for the Royal Family!^

^It is indeed Pelleré. We can barely contain ourselves for the upcoming event. I so look forward to this evening when Mother and her new Caltan are formally blessed.^ The other members of the family put in words of confirmation on Alafka's statement.

^Mylat Brammo, you have just been designated Mylat by the Mylatrin. You must be so proud of that accomplishment?^

^I am Pelleré, I was so looking forward to going to Denders as Mylat, however, I have been told that I will remain behind as Mother's official representative this year in her absence. It is both a disappointment and an acknowledgement of my new position so I am both pleased by the promotion and not so pleased to miss the Summit.^ That brought laughter from everyone.

^Vellda ti Arrendur, your father is to become Caltan! You must be so proud?^

^I am, and also excited for the event. Like the others, I can barely contain myself!^

^Dragon Sir Fayad Piscium Sai-Ro, your family is standing in the receiving line! Such an accomplishment.^

"The accomplishment is Junelliya's simply because she is pregnant with twin boys. The Mylatrin asked to become their Godparents during their 'Hafl Altasmia', the official naming ceremony. After some internal debate within our extended family, it was accepted that we shall have a fourth set of Royal Godparents and have our family linked to the Byandi Realm."

^Do not be so modest, Fayad. Your family is very well known and respected throughout the Greater Community. I understand that many Royal households asked for the honour of becoming Godparents but the Mylatrin was the first to ask.^

That brought laughter from Hanalei when the translation came through. "Oh yes, she was fastest with her 'dibs'."

^Sorry, what is 'Dibs'?^

"An obscure human term that means gaining the right to first use or having first options on something. By claiming dibs on the option, the Mylatrin set herself up to be the Godparents of our twins ahead of all others," Junelliya explained with a wicked grin.

^Seriously!? You mean that she put her word in first and that sealed the deal for her?^

"Yes and no," Hanalei stated. "It let us know the Mylatrin was determined to be the Godparent of our boys. She had to look up and commit to memory many obscure human terms in order to claim dibs. We appreciated her efforts so we accepted her request.

"Then it was just a matter of convincing the remainder of the family, who wanted members of our extended family to be the Godparents. However, we pointed out that they were already family and by accepting the Mylatrin's request, our family would gain new connections to the Greater Community. Now, we are all looking forward to the upcoming ceremony as it will be our first naming ceremony on a Byandi planet."

^You intend to hold the ceremony here!?^

"Why not? The Castada is beautiful and would make an awesome setting for such a ceremony. Most times, the ceremony is completed in the home of the immediate family, which is why the naming ceremony for Ikekiya and Zarreniya was done on Liramor-23. But there is no reason that the ceremony cannot be completed in the home of the Godparents."

^So many of the ruling families of the Greater Community will be envious of this opportunity for the Byandi.^

"Well, Soona-Patek has indicated that there might be one more little girl running around in the near future, so they need not be too jealous," Junelliya let slip, then covered her mouth with her hands as she was scolded by Hanalei for having spoken. That brought laughter from Pelleré as she pointed out to Hanalei that it was already too late... the comment was now common news among the Greater Community.

Pelleré then turned to the children, squatting down to speak with them. ^Ikekiya, Zarreniya, who are these tiny Mallitana you are with?^

^These are our new friends, Umma and Urra. They are new Granla, just like us.^

^New Granla? Why are you in the receiving line?^ Pelleré asked of the two Mallitana.

^We are too tiny to dance our way back up the Grand Stairway,^ Umma admitted. ^So we will ride with Ikekiya and Zarreniya during the procession. They are keeping us close so we don't get separated.^

^You are riding with your friends?^

^Well with our 'big sisters' actually... even though we are older than they are,^ that brought smiles and giggles from Ikekiya and Zarreniya. After all, the girls were taller than the two Mallitana even if the Mallitana were older.

^Now you are confusing the viewers,^ Pelleré scolded gently.

^You and your viewers will soon see,^ Zarreniya replied. ^We promise that you will be surprised.^

^You are going to be doing a special concert at Denders this year.^

^Yes, a charity concert for the Maha-Rrin who were injured in the Great Tremor on Maha-Oran and are still waiting for medical treatment.^ Zarreniya explained.

^There are so many people that need help,^ Ikekiya chimed in. ^The governments have done all they can but there are limits even for governments. We hope to do well so that we can help as many people as possible.^

^Wow, that is amazing. But you are only two years old! How is it that you are so good?^

^I am not two,^ Zarreniya said, her face suddenly sad.

^Aw, sister. You will be two soon... next month.^ Ikekiya hugged her sister tight and the two Mallitana came over to help console Zarreniya in a four way hug.

A smile slowly crowded the frown from Zarreniya's face and left the most amazing brightness on it. ^You are right sister! I will be two next month!^ The four children were soon jumping up and down, delight showing on all of their faces as the three Cats jumped into the air and glided around the four friends adding to the spectacle of happiness.

^Oh my! What just happened?^ Dellra asked the host's panel back in the 4th Sky booth.

"The Golden Children happened," Cynthia laughed. "Both their sadness and their joy are infectious."

⸰They are indeed! I felt as though I had dropped into the pit of despair only to be raised from it by their joyfulness.⸰ Varso said with awe in his voice.

^How can you be so good at things like this?^ Pelleré asked the girls with awe in her voice.

^We are Palda, Pelleré. Palda Holt means blessed by the Gods or gifted by the Gods. We helped the Asocan Gods, and they have helped us,^ Ikekiya explained.

^For us, we were always smart, now we are even more so,^ Zarreniya put in. ^Our music ability is stronger, better, because of their blessings.^

^We were given gifts of intelligence, math, music, strength of body, dexterity and so many other things. Gifts we did not want.^ Ikekiya added. ^All the things we were already good at doing, the Gods' gifts made even better.^

^But we now know that we must make use of these gifts to help others and we have ideas how we can do that.^

^Zarreniya is right. That is what the Asocan Gods told us to do and what the Council of Empaths expects of all who are its members. We only little, but we are growing and getting better.^

^You watch us, we will surprise you,^ Zarreniya finished.

Lafassa interrupted. ^It is time to end this interview as we are about to open the gates and the great doors.^

^Thank you Pelleré. You did good interview,^ Ikekiya spoke.

^Uh-huh. You have good questions. We like how you do things,^ Zarreniya added. Both girls gave Pelleré hugs and kisses while simultaneously sending peace and happiness to her via their empathy as two of the Cats purred into each of her ears from the girl's shoulders. Shivers ran up Pelleré's spine as the floaters showed her blushing at the feelings she was receiving from the hug.

^Oh my! I understand now how you must have felt, Lafassa, when the children gave you hugs earlier,^ she said to the royal retainer, getting a knowing smile and nod of her head back from Lafassa. Just then, the gates were opened...

The host reporters at the bottom of the Grand Stairway watched as people began to surge up the 500m long staircase. Even though the crowd was made up of the elite of the elite, they still reminded Cynthia of eager concert goers as they streamed up and into the Grand Hall.

Pelleré recorded them moving into the antechamber where the reception line was and toward the two great doors into the Grand Hall. Most of the Byandi now coming into the Grand Hall bowed to the reception line from across the way, not wanting to actually approach the Royal Family. Even if they were the elites of the Byandi, most had no real experience with dealing with royals. Having the choice to meet the royals or bypass them, many chose the latter.

For the next two-and-a-half hours, the guests trudged into the hall, being named by callers as they entered the antechamber and were escorted to their seats.

Many in the mostly Byandi crowd were surprised to see humans in the receiving line as they bowed to the royal family. Many more were intrigued by the presence of Dr. Junelliya and by Li Mallitana Semetess who gave out some autographs, smiled, and waved good-naturedly or threw kisses to the crowd of passers-by as they entered the Grand Hall.

Before long, members of the Greater Community ruling class began to approach the receiving line.

*Aunty >Catal! Uncle !* The children rushed forward to rub faces with their Asocan family much to the amusement of the watchers who were astounded at the size difference between the heads of the children and those of the over two meter tall adult Asocans.

*Well met, Ikekiya, Sharreniya. We are pleased to see you once again,* the Asost spoke for the family.

*We are also pleased to see you, Gurn Piscium, and your mate Palda Junelliya,* the Asoc interjected.

*You are looking pleasingly plump, Junelliya,* the Asost said with an Asocan smile and a big teasing lick of his lips, which caused the girls to giggle as it was usually the Sandekk who licked their lips in hungry anticipation and usually while teasing the girls.

*You can equate her state to that of an Asocan female carrying six, Asost,* Hanalei informed them, *Although the two she is carrying are much larger,* that got giggles from Garnal and Varren (Reporter Pelleré was stunned to hear such large beasts actually giggle!).

*We look forward to their arrival later this year,* the Asoc smiled. *It is a pity, though, that we did not get 'dibs' on being Godparents.*

*Do not be so greedy, Asoc. You are already related to us through your attachment to the Kumar-Pair as Dusar. Leave some for the other royals,* Hanalei groused good naturedly, getting laughter from all.

*We are looking forward to your concert at Denders,* Varren said. *Your concerts have always been so interesting.*

*You must be very busy learning about being a Martte?* Zarreniya asked Varren with a smile by way of changing the subject.

*Yes, it is not easy. I have much to learn!*

*You will learn it well,* Ikekiya said, confident in her assertion.

*You would do well to emulate your cousin's reading ability,* Garnel said to her new sister. *These two have just finished reading the human book of law. It is a rather large book.*

*How big is it?* Varren asked Zarreniya.

*I thought you would never ask,* Zarreniya teased. *It has 135,000 pages. It took us a whole month to read it!*

*A-a-month?* Varren stuttered in surprise.

*Uh-huh. Judge Jarvell gave it to us on my birthday,* Ikekiya confided to Varren showing her the electronic version on her Comp.

*It was hard for us to find the time to read it with our studies and our preparations for our concert,* Zarreniya put in.

*oh...* a dejected Varren gasped noting the complexity of the language. Law was always something that was very meticulous and a bit of a sore point for her at the moment. Knowing her cousins, she had no doubt that they had memorized and understood much of what they had read.

Varren knew now that she had no excuse for not studying as her mother could say...'your cousins are younger and they can do it!' She groaned at the thought.

*Girls, do you remember...* the Asoc began pointing to a familiar family but was interrupted by the excited recognition of the girls.

*>Karden,

The family now lived on Liramor-23 and were only the second family on the platform after the Pisciums. However, they had returned to AsocAR during the recent renovations of the station. They were scheduled to return after the Denders Summit when their section of the station had completed its renovations.

*Why you here?* Zarreniya asked, her language ability slipping in her excitement.

*The Asoc thought it would help the new Byandi empaths if they could talk to someone who has already been through what they are going through,* >Karnaya told the girls.

Zarreniya nodded her head. *That good idea Aunty >Catal.*

The small group excitedly chatted together while Hanalei made a come hither motion to Varren.

*Varren Mutt Herrtt é Salalta Semt, adopted daughter of the Asoc, I would like to introduce you to Vellda ti Arrendur, who will become the adopted daughter of the Mylatrin later this evening. You two may have a lot to talk about.*

*We have something very important to tell you too, Ikekiya, Sharreniya,* Murld indicated to the girls. However, he was interrupted by Treäk>, the PA to the Asoc.

*Your conversations will have to wait until later this afternoon as we need to make way for other dignitaries,* she informed the group.

Varren, Vellda, Umma, Urra, and the Mutt Mattas Clutch all had dejected looks on their faces as they waved to their counterparts and moved with the adults into the Grand Hall, their sadness tempered with the knowledge that they would soon speak with their friends.

More Royals came and went. The children especially liked it when the Kumar-Pair and their Brood arrived.

῏Sister! Bothers!῏ they called out to Prakeshya, Nalyea-Jarl, and Sunya-Jarl, whom they greeted with Linkess (the rubbing of foreheads) along with the Godparents, the Kumar-Pair. The group had Jurte Sha-Ret Sai-Rai's Brood with them (the Brood was training to be the core of the future bodyguards of the Oranaraie/Oranaroe, the Oran-Rai/Ro).

The children also greeted the Pemipinae, Melda-Hetta, and noted she was being escorted by a Pod-Drran. ῏Oh... Aunty Melda, is this an escort or something much more?῏ Ikekiya asked with a teasing smile noting the way the Pemipinae was holding his arm.

Melda's laugh was surprisingly open mouthed, a no-no among species with extra-large teeth.

῏For now, this delicious male is an escort. But he might turn into something much more. I will need a Pod-Drran mate if I am to be accepted onto Ji-Ruhm-Oran. When I hand over the role of Pemipinae to Prakeshya, and she ascends to become the ruler of the Oranae, I could see the two of us stepping onto the new world together as I retire from politics.῏ That statement caused the male on her arm to blush a dark green but that just brought laughter from all the females in the boisterous crowd of Pod-Drran and Maha-Rrin.

῏My Goddaughters, I would like to introduce you to the Head of the Council of Warriors...῏

῏Yes, we know,῏ Ikekiya said.

῏Welcome Callet-Mon Rai,῏ Zarreniya chimed in, getting a glare from Callet-Mon that quickly disappeared when she noticed all the floaters of the news networks hanging around the receiving line. The girls saw Callet's expression change. ῏You do not like us as you see us as threat to your way of life. But you will soon change your mind.῏

῏We will save your life, proving to you our worth,῏ Ikekiya said with an odd tone to her voice.

The Kumaroe noted the tone as being the same as when Prakeshya predicted future events. ῏Is this something you have seen, Soona-Patek?῏ he asked, getting a nod from Ikekiya.

A shiver ran up Callet's spine as the Kumar-Pair and Pemipinae were gently asked to move along for other ruling families, as long conversations slowed down the movement of people into the Great Hall.

Callet had almost forgotten that Ikekiya was a named prophet. Soona-Patek... the one who had found the original Resestess. She suffered another frisson of fear as she remembered what Poda-La had done during the trial of this Brood. All had said she was nothing more than an AI construct of the true Goddess, something that had no body or form... until her Chlaerge had struck Takka-Larn Kai-Rai and left a scar on her face.

Callet turned her head back as the group moved forward to see knowing looks on the faces of the Piscium Brood. Because human and Pod-Drran facial musculature was very similar, it was easy to identify expressions between the two species. That left Callet with no uncertainty as to what the children were thinking.

The stream of rulers continued, the long list of visiting Greater Community dignitaries slowly filing passed the receiving line and into the Grande Hall. The children formally greeted them all in their own languages, astonishing Vellda, Urra, and Umma, who were only vaguely aware of their capabilities.

After greeting them formally, the girls would then greet them all far more informally as Aunties or Uncles. Even the Sharn Erx Toolend was given a special title (Fatro-Sumic, meaning 'Special to Family', the Toolend word that translated most closely to Uncle or Aunty).

The most shocking thing for the reporters was when the giant Sandekk walked into the antechamber. They were surprised when the Piscium Mallitana squealed in delight at the presence of the massive Sandekk, who gave them great smiles.

*Ikekkiiiyyyaaa, Ssshhharrreniiiyyyaaa, it isss good to sssee the two offf yyyou ssstilll lllooking dellliciousss!* Shusshhttookkann said in Asocan while licking her lips and exposing her rather formidable teeth. The girls giggled and stretched up their hands. Shusshhttookkann lowered her great head, which was much larger than both of the children combined, and allowed them to rub their cheeks against hers.

*I hafffe misssed yourrr presssensse lllitttllle onesss. Pllleassse do come backkk morrre frrrequentttllly.*

*You will have to speak to Gurn Piscium for that, Shusshhttookkann,* Ikekiya replied. The pair then greeted Elder Shassshgallann and finally Annnarrrekkk, the smallest and youngest of the Sandekk and also the Sandekk ambassador to Liramor-23.

*Shusshhttookkann, we would like to present our friends to you, but they are really tiny and might be a little afraid,* Zarreniya indicated. They called Umma and Urra forward and, after some coaxing, brought them to meet their friends.

Shusshhttookkann looked down into frightened eyes and licked her lips. *Thessse two lllookkk even tastier than you two!*

*Aunty Shusshhttookkann! You make them scared you say that!* Ikekiya scolded, but then she heard her two Byandi friends giggling. The great head came down to look at the two little Mallitana and the giggling quickly stopped.

*They arrre too sssmalll... efffen two of them woullld onllly be halllfff a mouthfulll!* that got all the friends to giggling again. The Mallitana reached up and rubbed their cheeks against the great beast as they had seen their friends do.

Shusshhttookkann opened her sight to the new Mallitana and was impressed by what she saw.

*Myyylllat Alllafffkkka, thessse two willl be great asssetsss to the Byandi rrrealllm. Teach them carrrefullly and protect them.*

^Yes Elder Shusshhttookkann,^ Alafka agreed giving the two Mallitana a new look.

Despite the previous comments by Cynthia, the Byandi reporters were more than surprised at the number of very senior people who knew the Piscium family. Mixed among the rulers were other dignitaries whose presence pleased the children.

"Uncle Raymond! Auntie Liea! Auntie Fiona!" they chorused when they saw their friends.

Pelleré noted the presence of two high-ranking officers who had more medals on their uniforms than she could believe. She slipped in to speak with them as they finished speaking with the receiving line.

^Hello from 4th Sky Entertainment Channel. I am Pelleré. May I have a moment of your time?^

"Of course," Fiona said. "But do forgive us if our Byandilay is not as good as that of the girl's."

^From what I have seen, very few could easily converse in as many languages as those two,^ Pelleré agreed.

^You are War Dragon Sister Fleet Admiral Fiona Marsh, head of Sector Fifty-Nine, which covers most of the Greater Community area of space and you were once the Director of Operations for the Liramor Twenty-Three Mining Platform, a role that is now being carried out by Dragon Sir Fayad Piscium Sai-Ro,^ Pelleré informed her viewers, as her production team fed her information via her discreet earpiece (though not as discrete on a Byandi who had no outer ear shell).

"That is correct. It is our responsibility to protect the member races in Sector Fifty-Nine, for the time being."

^For the time being?^

"Well, as the member races begin to build their own fleets of human style warships, they will begin to protect their own areas of space. At that point, Sector Fifty-Nine will give up that responsibility to the respective governments of the member races.

"Sector Fifty-Nine will then start supporting the Community governments through our diplomatic ties. Our long-term goal then is obsolescence, but that will not occur for many decades."

^You are here at the invitation of the Mylatrin, I believe. You have done so much for the Byandi people, including helping to design our new ships and train our people on how to use them. What is next in your future?^

"Well, building the member race's fleets is our current priority. We have already seen several Byandi vessels launched. Byandi engineers and hull techs are currently learning how to make the different ships, and human style space platforms, on Pallanders Six. It will take many years for your people to become self-sufficient in ship construction but the Byandi and the Greater Community are now well on their way toward that goal. After that... who can say. We are only looking ahead at one amazingly difficult goal at a time."

That got a laugh from Pelleré ^Thank you for your time, Fleet Admiral. And next to you is the incredible War Dragon Vice Admiral Raymond Clark Sai-Ro, one of the most decorated males in the Union Navy. Even to my Byandi eyes, you cut a rather spectacular image. To human females, you must be an amazing attraction.^

"He is that," Liea chimed in, smiling at Raymond and getting giggles from all the women around them.

^And you are Liea Samson, Raymond Clark's business partner,^ Pelleré stated rather than asked.

"I am. We have known each other for years and been partners almost as long."

^Admiral Clark, your current role in Sector Fifty-Nine is the training of space crews and the reconstitution of the lost Shall for the Asocans. How is that coming along?^

"Much quicker than anticipated. We now have a good training routine for each of the respective races. In the not too distant future, in perhaps two or three years, the different species will be training their own.

"As for the Lost Shall, we have been able to make use of specialists in the Greater Community who have helped us progress faster than we expected. Now, we are looking at potentially completing our task in seven to eight years as opposed to ten to twelve years. Needless to say, the Asoc is quite happy with this turn of events."

^I bet she is. I am looking at your uniform and see it is literally sparkling with medals. That is quite the haul for any officer.^

"It is, and most of it was earned the hard way, under fire. I hope that my next few medals will be presented to me for doing good deeds instead of making war on people."

^We fervently hope the same,^ a suddenly nervous Pelleré agreed. ^The reconstitution of the Lost Shall would be a unique contribution on your part.^

"It would indeed. Now, if you will excuse us, we must proceed into the Grand Hall."

^Thank you for speaking with us. We hope to speak with you later during the ceremony.^ a dejected Pelleré said as the group moved further inside.

"Do not be too upset at Admiral Clark's reaction, Pelleré. He is somewhat touchy about the things he has done in his military career," Junelliya said to the suddenly nervous reporter as more people approached the receiving line.

^Are not most warriors happy to be fighting?^ Pelleré asked of no one in particular over her open mike. Her remark ignited a huge web conversation about the role of warriors in protecting their people. This included the facts of some of Clark's very scary accomplishments.

The Greater Community elite continued to pass the receiving line until the last stragglers were pushed up the Grand Stairway just after 12:30 hrs. The attendants guided the receiving line down the long flight of stairs to the gates at the bottom. There, they met the people who would be in the procession while the reporters in the booth watched and commented on their final preparations.

************

The ceremony of the century, as it was being called in Byandi space, began at 1300 hrs with the long procession up the Grand Stairway to the Great hall.

The happy Granla were dancing and tapping on their Pantel while priestesses/priests followed, shaking their instruments of bells. Then came the great Gennel, each carrying one human and one Byandi child, the two Mallitana who had befriended the Piscium children.

They were followed by the adults of the Piscium family, minus Junelliya, who marched in a line across, their staff of three behind them. Vellda walked alone a few steps behind the Pisciums. She was followed by the Salta Family.

Afterwards came the Castada Fierres walking in two rows. Tullo and then the Mylatrin, each carried in a palanquin, closed out the ranks of dignitaries as a marching band followed behind them, their music setting the pace for the procession.

The groups parted and passed between the two large doors to each side of the Great Hall, marching down the large walkway between the three groups of now standing guests, only to reunite once more at the front.

The Granla were all escorted to seats to the left front of the Grand Hall, while the priestesses and priests slipped out of the hall to change into other attire as required for the ceremony.

Once the noise from the Pantel, the bell instruments, and the marching band ended, a Byandi choir started singing. The large Gennel came down the aisles one to each side, the children guiding them to the front as they waved to the crowd. They had the Gennel lay down and then slipped to the floor, helping their smaller friends down. The Piscium girls each gave one of the great Gennel a hug and then turned to bow to the rulers and were escorted to the seats for their family.

The two Mallitana escorted the Gennel to their corner at the front of the hall and had them lay down. They sat on their great legs to make themselves comfortable as they cuddled up with their new friends. The contented Gennel gave out soft sounds and almost seemed to smile to the amusement of the audience who were amazed that the giant animals were so tolerant of the tiny Mallitana. After all, Gennel had a historically fearsome reputation.

The Piscium family arrived at the front, bowed to the guests and were escorted to their seats. Vellda waited for the Salta family, all bowing to the guests as a group before taking their seats.

The Castada Fierres filed in and took their places at the front of the hall, waiting attentively for the pair. Finally, Tullo and the Mylatrin were carried in, Tullo on the right and the Mylatrin on the left. They were helped out of their palanquins and stood facing each other across the Width of the Grand Hall.

The Caltan-To-Be and the Mylatrin were escorted from their respective sides of the Great Hall of the Castada ne Mylatin, approaching each other at a measured pace dictated by the choir's singing.

Pelleré reported that the Mylatrin was wearing a sheer golden saree, with flecks of real gold and jewels in it. Her golden sash of office with her seal at the top left, was much wider than that of her Mylat children, identified her as the Mylatrin. The Royal Family were the only Byandi to wear their sashes from her left shoulder to their right hip and the only ones to wear sashes of gold.

Tullo was topless, as were all of the male Byandi at the ceremony, and wearing his green sash of office which identified him as a Senior Cabinet Minister.

The pair stopped, facing each other, in front of the Castada Fierro se Mylatin Garrinno, the Archbishop of the Castada se Mylatrin, the Grand Cathedral of the Church of Mylatin. Fierro Garrinno was known to be a tough but fair male who had worked himself up into the position after decades of service to the Goddess. He had replaced Fierro Fasso when Fasso had been denounced and arrested by the Mylatrin less than a week previously.

Now, he was in the spotlight in front of the entire Greater Community with the other Fierres Castada of the Primary Goddesses/Gods behind him. He savoured the moment and stretched out his part in the ceremony.

He gave a hand signal to the staff. Someone activated the electronic windows at the front of the hall and the guests were greeted with the sight of the flowering Seeket tree. Staff opened the tall doors and slid them to the sides, allowing the wonderful aroma of the flowers to enter the Grand Hall. The Byandi guests were speechless as it had not yet become common knowledge that the Seeket trees were in bloom. The scent was wonderful.

Fierro Garrinno bowed low to the Mylatrin before he spoke...

^Mylatrin Adriné ti Salta, Daughter of the Goddess Mylatin in an unbroken family line from ancient times, Supreme Ruler of the Byandi Realm, Titular Head of the Church of Mylatin, and Head of the Salta Royal Family.

^You have asked Tullo, a Senior Minister in your Cabinet, to renounce his position as Senior Minister and accept the position of Caltan. Do you do so willingly, with open heart, and without prejudice?^

^I do,^ Adriné responded.

^Tullo ti Arrendur, Senior Minister in the administration of the Mylatrin, you have been asked by Mylatrin Adriné to accept the position of Caltan. In so doing, you will be required to renounce your position as Senior Minister in the Cabinet. Do you willingly renounce your position in the Cabinet?^

^I do,^ Tullo replied.

The Mylatrin reached over and removed Tullo's green sash of office, passing it to a waiting maid.

The Mylatrin leaned in for a hug but the Fierro Garrinno slipped a hand between them. Intimacy of any kind was frowned upon until the couple had received the Goddess Mylatin's blessing.

^Mylatrin, I would have thought that the experiences of your position would have tamed your eagerness a little.^ he commented to titters from all around the great hall.

*Oh hell! Throw him to the floor and have done with it, Adriné!* said a booming voice in Asocan. That the voice was using her name informally told Adriné that the comment could only have come from the Asoc.

Adriné turned to look back at the Royal witnesses. ^>Catal! Such commentary from a species that needs to go into heat to get excited... or are you in heat and that is why you are saying this?^ she asked sweetly.

The Asost burst into laughter. *As the humans say, she can take it AND dish it out!* he exclaimed to his mate. That got laughter from the Byandi audience, who had been shocked by the Asoc's initial outburst.

Fierro Garrinno harrumphed and the couple turned back to the stern-faced priest, but Tullo noted the ghost of a smile on Garrinno's lips. With a surprise, Tullo realized that Garrinno was proud of the Mylatrin's response.

^Intended Adriné, Intended Tullo... is it your intention to continue with this ceremony?^

^It is,^ they answered in unison.

^Extend your hands,^ Garrinno ordered.

The pair raised the arm closest to each other, entwining them while clasping hands. The Fierro accepted a long ribbon of sesach (a mauve-like colour that is the colour of the Goddess Layelle, the Goddess of the Hearth and Home. It is also the colour of love for the Byandi people).

Starting at their entwined fists, he wound the ribbon around the pair's arms to the elbow and back to their fists where he tied it in an elaborate knot that could easily be undone with a single pull if required. To keep others from pulling it and breaking the bond, he tucked the ends inside their entwined fists.

^For the remainder of this day, until the light of Salta sets, you will be bound to each other. You will have to work together, to help each other in the smallest and greatest of tasks. This is to show you that your mating bond is more than just a bond of the heart, it is also a physical bond, and a bond of the mind.

^If the binding is broken within the light of Salta, your mating is also broken. You have until the end of this day to confirm if you are truly meant for each other. When the light of Salta sets if you are still bound we, the Castada Fierres, will formally pass onto you the blessings of the Goddess Mylatin.

^Turn, as the Bound Couple, and face your people. Go with the blessings of the people as you will receive the blessings of the Goddess Mylatin at the end of this day.^

The couple soon discovered that they had to cooperate at every level, even if just to turn to face their people. They ponderously turned about and bowed to the people as the guests let out thunderous applause.

They stepped forward, learning how to walk together in unison in order to greet their guests, accepting the applause of the audience.

Mating couples were never encouraged to practice being bound just so they could be confronted with the realities of and understand what being bound actually meant. Being bound for a half-day was grueling. Being bound, figuratively for life, another matter completely. The bound couple had to come to terms with this fact in order to accept being mated to each other. Many never did and broke their binding during the ceremony.

While guests would be disappointed, there would be no consequences for breaking the binding. The Byandi had learned long ago that some couples were meant for each other and others were not. It was better to find those who were incompatible with each other early on.

Eventually, the couple asked for silence from the audience and had them sit.

^Before we start visiting, a few announcements,^ Adriné said. ^First, I would like to introduce Tullo's daughter, Vellda ti Arrendur. She will be adopted into the Royal Salta family after we receive Mylatin's blessings later today.^

Adriné gestured and Vellda and her children stepped forward. ^To those of my guests here today who have not met them, my eldest daughter and heir, Mylat Alafka. My younger daughter, Mylat Errlla. My son and until now my youngest, Mylat Brammo, and Vellda, who will become my adopted daughter and my new youngest later today.^ Adriné waited for the applause before continuing.

^Many of you saw some humans in the receiving line and might be wondering why they were included.^ Adriné made a motion and the Piscium family came to stand on the other side of Tullo, opposite the Royal family. ^The reason is the coming birth of Junelliya's twin Mallitano later this year. My mate and I will become the Godparents of these two Mallitano.

^What is a Godparent, you might ask? It is a religious position that was once a very important part of family life. The Godparents were responsible for raising the children as per the dictates of their religion if the children's parents died prematurely. Today, this is mostly a symbolic position but one which strengthens ties between families.

^Why this family you might ask? Because the Piscium family is well known within the Greater Community and is already linked to three of the Community's royal families. Those families include the Royal Families of the Pod-Drran, the Maha-Rrin, and the Asocans.

^One other thing... The Piscium family consists of some very strong Granla. While most of us slept peacefully last night, the Piscium family detected a threat against our Royal Family and this very ceremony. They alerted the Brucomma and helped them capture more than seventy members of this conspiracy.

^Had that threat been allowed to continue unhindered, this very event would have become a disaster for the Byandi people. As such we, the Byandi Realm, owe the Piscium family an immense obligation.^ The Bound Couple, the Salta Family, and Vellda, all bowed to the Piscium family.

^The Salta Family will be greatly enhanced by joining with the Piscium family.^ The two families and Vellda, turned and bowed to the Bound Couple and returned to their seats.

^Tomorrow, there will be an awards ceremony. We are taking a page from the Human Alliance of Planets and the Asocan Realm and starting a new award called 'Friend of the Byandi Realm'.

The Mylatrin highlighted the names of a few of the people to receive awards the following day and then advised all to look at the latest publications of the awards ceremony to discover who else might be in that ceremony. Some fifty individuals were scheduled to receive awards, including the Piscium family, though the name of their award was not listed.

The Bound Couple then turned to speak with some of the people on the left side of the hall, the couple's right, who were the extended family and guests of the Mylatrin.

The couple then moved to the center group where they met with all of the Royal families or senior members of the Greater Community whose royal families were not in attendance, mostly the Djinaëte who were being represented by the Djinaëte ambassador to the Byandi Realm as a new Sister/ambassador had yet to be announced for Liramor-23.

The couple then greeted the extended family and guests of Tullo from the right side of the hall before everyone was asked to stand and large tables were rolled out and spread out throughout the hall, quickly being set up for the guests. The guests then haphazardly took seats around the tables.

The Bound Couple approached the serving line and greeted the servers and cooks, which included Annatto from Taddassan, Riley from The Wanderer, and some cooks from the human ship Navy One, the Union President's personal carrier.

^You are the best cooks we have available. Cooks who are capable of working meals for all of our many and varied guests. We look forward to your offerings today.^

The pair were given plates of food as children began moving to the serving line; the wait staff served the seated senior guests as the Bound Couple spoke to those sitting at tables. As per Byandi traditions, no guests at tables were shunned by others at the ceremony.

"Why is this so, Lafassa?" asked Hanalei.

^Unless you live in a small village, many of the family members might not have met each other,^ Lafassa replied. ^Larger Mating Ceremonies might have hundreds or even thousands of guests. To shun someone based on their looks, dialect of speech, or other reasons, could be hurtful to inter-family relationships of the couple. The high and the low, the rich and the poor, are permitted at any table. Tolerance is expected, in fact demanded, at such events.^

The couple eventually came to a table that included Vellda and the Salta Family.

^Father, Mylatrin,^ Vellda said, bowing to both.

^That may be the last time you use my title in private, Vellda. Are you ready to confer the title of 'mother' on me?^ Adriné was asking as she knew that some children never really accepted a new mother in place of their lost mother.

Vellda gave Adriné a huge smile. ^I am looking forward to once again having the guidance of a mother in my life, Mylatrin.^

Adriné opened her arms and Vellda stepped into them as she locked her one arm around her new daughter, giving and receiving a fierce hug. The crowd roared its pleasure at the sight.

Vellda was thrilled to soon be included in a full family again though she did have some trepidation because it was THIS family.

Adriné went to the next table which included Rulers of the Greater Community. She went first to the Asoc and gave her a fist bump, something she had learned from the Piscium children. The Asoc laughed when she saw the waiting fist.

*You learn from even the smallest members of the Greater Community,* the Asoc said cheekily.

^They are worthy of learning from, my friend.^ That got a circular nod of the head in agreement from the Asocans. The Asoc turned and inclined her head to the Caltan-To-Be.

*Well met Tullo. I and my mate, Asost

^Well met, Asoc, Asost. I am pleased to be in your presence as a potential fellow ruler. I hope to be a worthy member of such a group.^ Tullo gave a low bow to the pair. He was, after all, still technically a commoner.

The rulers found that, diplomatically, Tullo was well versed. He spoke well and did not attempt to steal the spotlight nor the conversation. All showed pleasure at being in his presence. The rulers had long memories and some of the previous mates of other rulers had left them wanting. Tullo met their scrutiny and survived it. This was a good augur for the new couple.

The ultimate test though was that of the Shusshhttookkann, the great elder of the Sandekk.

^Well met, Shusshhttookkann, my friend,^ Adriné greeted her with a bow. ^Will we be graced with your presence during the Denders' Summit this year?^

*It is our intention to be present at Denders as much will happen during the summit this year. I look forward to the activities of two little humans in particular,* Shusshhttookkann replied in Asocan, giving the Bound Couple a closed-lipped smile. She then opened her sight to Tullo.

*You have chosen well, Mylatrin. Both he and your new daughter will be an asset to you and the Royal Family.*

Adriné smiled and bowed low to Shusshhttookkann. It was the answer to her unasked question but an answer she was very pleased with nonetheless. The Sandekk rarely spoke openly about a new person when they viewed the destiny of others. Shusshhttookkann's comments helped ease Adriné's heart.

Being a senior minister, Tullo did not have as much to learn as others for his role as Caltan, but there was still a lot that he did not know. It comforted Adriné's heart to know that he and her new daughter would do well in their new positions.

The Bound Couple moved to the Piscium family and their staff, all the females gave the Couple the royal curtsy, a deep dip of the knees, straight backed, and a low bow of the head at the end. When conducted as a group, it was a sight to behold.

^Oh, my! I have never seen anything like that!^ Tullo gushed after the family rose to their feet again, towering over the small couple.

^You will have to teach my daughters this move,^ Adriné insisted.

That brought giggles to the girls, who smiled at their Aunty Adriné.

^Truly, I am looking forward to your concert, Mallitana. I'm sure it will be an amazing experience.^

^Yes, Mylatrin. We will not disappoint you or your new mate,^ the girls reassured her.

^Hanalei, all is in readiness at Denders?^

"We are better prepared this year than we ever have previously been, Mylatrin," Hanalei reassured the Royal Couple. ^You'll have your own villa this year, which will make things much more comfortable for your family."

^Actually, my family will not be in our villa. We intend to use our villa for our mating vacation (Byandi equivalent of a honeymoon) during the Denders Summit, so our family will have to find other accommodations,^ Adriné stated.

"Well, it is fortunate then that we have additional villas which have not yet been rented. We shall make one of them available to Mylat Alafka, Mylat Errlla, Vellda, and their staff."

^As it will be part of the royal residences, our government shall purchase it from you for diplomatic purposes, Hanalei. We will also need tenting, similar to that which you give to the Kumir-Rai/Ro each year, for our Granla. Can they be accommodated?^

"That will be easier than to give them accommodations at Denders. The tents are comfortable and should be suited to your young Granla. Let me know how many Granla and staff there will be and we shall make it happen," Hanalei reassured the Bound Couple.

Adriné smiled at that thought. She had only been to the new villa once during Ikekiya's birthday party. She was quite taken by the structure and looked forward to the Summit, especially as it would be her residence for their mating vacation.

Next, the Royal Couple faced the media. The media had been discreetly using floaters to follow the Royal Couple as they greeted their special guests. These devices had been purchased from human media outlets. The Byandi media, in fact the media of many Sentient Races, had fallen in love with the silent devices. The trade-off being that they had to move away at a hand signal from the Mylatrin or Lafassa as the Bound Couple spoke in private with some of their guests.

The couple first approached Sammetta, a well-known media specialist whose face was constantly on the news and entertainment channels, though not always in the best ways.

^Welcome Mylatrin Adriné and Caltan-To-Be Tullo. It is a great pleasure to greet you personally,^ Sammetta said with a bow before going into full reporter mode.

^Mylatrin, we were left speechless by the comments of the Asoc!^ the reporter commented, shock and outrage showing on her face.

Adriné laughed at the comment. ^Think of it as a form of Metrannen (teasing for a new couple or newlyweds). The Asocans will throw comments like that out until a few days after the completion of their mating ceremonies. Though the one they will use most is 'The blessing of the Holy Couple' while flinging drops of water with their fingers. However, that blessing is only bestowed on couples who have finished the mating ceremony and received the Goddesses blessings. That will not happen for us until later this evening.

^As far as the Asocans are concerned, we are free game for their version of Metrannen, until we have completed the mating vacation,^ Adriné told the listening media.

^So it was not just some crude remark then?^ Sammetta asked.

^Oh it was a crude remark,^ Adriné smiled. ^However, it was all done with the best of intentions. The difference between our version of Metrannen and that of the Asocans is that, in the Asocan system, the couple being mated can return comments. Ergo, we were not offended by the comment as I managed to return an equally good dig against my friend, Asoc >Catal Mutt Herrtt.^

^And it was indeed a good dig, Mylatrin,^ Sammetta simpered. The couple spent several minutes with the reporters and then begged their leave so that they could greet more of their guests and family.

The couple moved about speaking with as many people as they could. Included in this group were senior shareholders of the Onudorra Shuttle Port Authority, those who were responsible for the Taddassan Interplanetary Passenger Service.

^Ehrrinno, I am so pleased to see you here at our mating ceremony,^ Adriné greeted him. ^I thought you were on Terra, seeing how the humans moved people about?^

^We were there briefly, Mylatrin. But we could not miss this most important occasion,^ Ehrrinno said with a bow and a smile. ^We will be returning before the next Denders Summit to see how they move and accommodate such numbers at Denders.^

^Ah, then we will see you at the resort. It is a wonderful place and the directors and staff are amazing people. In fact, the principal shareholder of Denders is here with us today,^ Adriné pointed to and made a Byandi come-hither motion to none other than Hanalei, who stepped across almost immediately.

Adriné introduced them to each other and advised Hanalei that she would be most pleased if Ehrrinno and his people could learn from her and her people. Hanalei gave a low bow and assured the Mylatrin that she would do all that was humanly possible to do for an honoured friend of the Mylatrin.

^Ehrrinno, I am so pleased that your company was able to bring our guests here on such short notice. Your charter option has been a great boon to the Castada. We must think of an appropriate reward for you. I do hope that this event has not done too much to disrupt your enterprise?^

^Mylatrin, for three days, nothing will be done in the realm. The eyes of the people are all on this event. That has allowed us to take a day to put our ships to use as charter service to bring your guests before you and then return them home before we return to normal operations.

^As for a reward... we are merchants, Mylatrin. Money is our greatest reward. This charter service has brought us much coin. We are content with that, Mylatrin.^

That brought a smile to Tullo, who laughed at the thought. Being a senior minister responsible for a budget, he could empathise with the merchant.

While the Bound Couple were talking to guests, the Piscium children went over to where their instruments were and began a rendition of Adagio for guitars that showcased their capabilities as musicians. Near the end of the performance, the musical group Musica Nocturna filed in, serving as a backup orchestra to the children, much to the appreciation of the guests as it completed the musical piece and gave it more character.

Zarreniya then sat at the piano and began the intro to the rock version of La Danse Macabre for Musica Nocturna, which was a rather upbeat piece again much appreciated by the guests, while Ikekiya rocked out the musical piece on her guitar.

After a few more musical pieces the girls indicated that they would be ending their little concert with a song that was quickly sweeping the Byandi Realm. As soon as they began the intro for Cha Uurré Matto (It Rains Males, the Byandi equivalent to It's Raining Men) the crowd of mostly Byandi went nuts, jumping up and cheering, singing along with the refrain much to the delight of Tullo.

While at first chagrined, Adriné eventually gave in to her Caltan-To-Be's good humour and smiled at the antics of the guests. It was, after all, a high-energy song that got the crowd rocking. After the song ended the crowd gave the girls a rousing ovation.

A Byandi orchestra began some tunes meant to be danced to and the crowd surged into the empty space at the front of the Grand Hall to dance together and show the non-Byandi guests how to dance Byandi-style.

Next, the Union President's orchestra took up some human waltzes. Those who were proficient, indulged in the dance. The girls showed all the Byandi Granla how to do the dance, much to the amusement of all.

After a bit, Consuella, the lead singer of Musica Nocturna, signalled to the girls and whispered to them about an upcoming song. Smiling, the girls gathered all the Granla and showed them the moves to the song, much to the delight of the humans in the room, many of whom recognized it immediately.

As soon as they were ready, Ikekiya signalled Consuella, and the band started the intro to the Macarena. The Granla all danced with Ikekiya and Zarreniya, showing the moves to the guests. It was an easy dance to mimic and soon the dance floor was crowded.

Food, music, and dance continued until the sun began to set and cast a glow on the floor of the Grand Hall. As the glow began to slide up the far wall, people were asked to sit once more and the Bound Couple were called forward.

The Fierres Castada all waited for the couple with Fierro Garrinno in the center. The Castada Fierres all made a great show of looking at the bindings to ensure the couple was still officially bound, their smiles showing their contentment at seeing the ribbon intact being an obvious over-the-top act for the guests.

^Mylatrin Adriné ti Salta, Caltan-To-Be Tullo ti Arrendur, as the last light of Salta closes this day, we the Fierres see that you are still formally bound,^ Fierro Garrinno began.

^Mylatrin, do you wish to continue with the Mating Ceremony?^

^I do.^

^Caltan-To-Be, do you wish to continue with the Mating Ceremony?^

^I do.^

^Unbind the couple,^ Garrinno ordered and stepped aside as the Castada Fierres se Layelle stepped forward and gently removed the ribbon that bound the couple. As they did so, the Piscium girls slipped up and allowed the Fierres uncoiling of the ribbon to fall over their outstretched arms. Clutching their bounty, the girls returned to their table where they pulled out gold gel pens and signed their names to the ribbon, then quietly passed it around to the royal guests as the ceremony continued.

^Mylatrin Adriné, as Head of the Church of Mylatin, we ask that you confer the benediction of the Caltan on Tullo.^

Adriné turned to Tullo and placed her right hand on his bare left shoulder. ^I, Mylatrin Adriné, Daughter of Mylatin in an unbroken line from ancient times, Head of the Church of Mylatin, confer on you the blessings of Mylatin and the title of Caltan. The title of Caltan can only be bestowed on the mate of the Mylatrin. Do you accept the title, knowing the significance of it?^

^I do,^ Tullo replied with a beautiful smile that received sighs of appreciation from all the Byandi females present, a sigh that was repeated throughout the realm as Byandi everywhere watched the ceremony. By Byandi standards, Tullo was a handsome male, and one who was clearly in love with his intended. Single Byandi females everywhere wondered where they could find such a male of their own...

A maid stepped forward and Adriné retrieved the golden sash of the Caltan, now bestowed with his personal name pin and medals, and placed it over Tullo's left shoulder. The Caltan's sash was of similar width to that of the Mylatrin, but had two thin borders of slightly darker gold to distinguish it.

The Fierres se Layalle asked the couple to say their vows.

^Mylatrin...^ they chorused as a pair.

^I take you, Tullo ti Arrendur, as my Caltan, holding you forevermore in my heart as my one and only. Your life has meaning to me above that of the ordinary, it completes me and makes me whole. I will support you always as your mate. From now until my death, you will remain in my heart.^

^Caltan...^

^I take you, Adriné, into my heart as my mate, my one and only. I will support you always as your mate first and as the Caltan after. Our pairing, your life, completes my own. From now until my death, you will remain in my heart.^

^The rings!^ Fierro Garrinno bellowed. Mylat Alafka and Tullo's daughter Vellda, stepped forward holding a golden pillow each. On the pillows, were two gold rings meant to be worn around the wrist. The rings were unique and marked by numerous prayers to the Goddesses and Gods in old-fashioned Byandi script.

The Castada Fierres as a group, stretched out their hands and intoned the blessings on the rings. The Fierres Layelle each took a ring and placed it on the Mylatrin's right wrist and the Caltan's left. Garrinno placed his hands on the shoulders of the couple, while all the Castada Fierres reached in to touch Garrinno.

^We the Fierres Castada,^ they intoned as a group, ^give the blessings of Mylatin to this couple, now bound together forever more as a mated pair in the eyes of our Goddess and Gods.

^Mylatin Hashotu het Mylatrin Adriné, het Caltan Tullo, Pettan Certi Hashotu!^ (Blessing of the Goddess Mylatin be on Mylatrin Adriné and Caltan Tullo, Blessings on the new couple!) ^Layelle Hashotu het Mylatrin Adriné, het Caltan Tullo, Pettan Certi Hashotu!^ (Blessing of the Goddess Layelle)

This bestowed the blessings of the Byandi primary Goddess Mylatin, on the couple, and that of Goddess Layell, the Goddess of the Hearth and Home.

The phrases were repeated by the mostly Byandi crowd followed by a great cheer.

^I know you have been waiting anxiously for this moment,^ Garrinno said with a smile after the crowd had quieted somewhat. ^You may now seal your mating with a kiss.^

Everyone cheered loudly as they came together for their first official kiss as a couple. After a somewhat lengthy kiss, the couple turned and bowed to their guests.

^Family and friends of the Mylatrin and the Caltan,^ Lauara called out. ^I present to you the new Royal Couple, Mylatrin Adriné ti Salta and Caltan Tullo ti Arrendur.^

The crowd cheered once more as the couple smiled at them and each other, now holding hands without the bindings.

Three small tables with backless stools were brought out. The Mylatrin and Tullo stood behind two of them. Lauara moved to extend her hand to Vellda and brought her before the new couple.

"Vellda ti Arrendur, the Mylatrin has asked the Caltan for permission to officially include you in her family. Do you accept this offer?^ Lauara demanded.

^I do!^ a smiling Vellda replied. She was then seated at the third table.

With Tullo on her left, and Vellda on her right, the Mylatrin signed the document of adoption for Vellda, which Tullo then countersigned. As a teenager not yet of the age of consent, Vellda did not need to sign the papers, however, Lauara had earlier hinted that Vellda would be thrilled to add her name to such an important document in her life. Lauara had guessed correctly as Vellda signed the documents with a huge smile as she saw her new name.

Three copies of the documents were made with the seals of the Mylatrin and Caltan and taken away by servants. One copy would go to the official archives. Another copy would be given to the Mylatrin for her private archives. The third, was to be appropriately framed and given to Vellda as a personal reminder of this day.

The Mylatrin stood. ^My guests. May I introduce you to Vellda ti Salta ni Arrendur, my new daughter!^ The Mylatrin turned and gave Vellda a powerful hug. ^I am so pleased to include you in my family, Vellda.^ she whispered.

Vellda wanted to say something but she was suddenly too choked up to speak. She finally got out the word that she had been holding back...^Mother!^ Because of the cheering crowd, it was a word that only Adriné heard, but it warmed the Mylatrin's heart.

The tables were removed and Lauara indicated that all should take their seats.

^The humans have a mating custom that the Mylatrin finds quite adorable and wishes to include it in this ceremony,^ Lauara began. ^This custom is the first dance; this is the first official dance by the new couple performed before family and friends.^

A human band struck up a waltz and the couple moved brightly across the dance floor, showing all the skill they had learned in the dance. As the dance ended, a Byandi band started a Byandi dance tune currently favoured at mating ceremonies and the couple danced in typical Byandi fashion to the music.

Now that the first dance had been completed, the guests surged onto the floor to dance with the new couple.

The little ones enjoyed a few dances but, before long, only the older teens and adults were left on the floor. The other children congregated with the Granla in the left front corner.

Servants circled the group to lend a hand for drinks, food, and other necessities. The children eventually all wound up in the atrium admiring the great Seeket tree.

^What do you mean it talks to others?^ one of the Byandi children who was not Granla asked.

^Can you not feel it?^ a Granla asked.

The Mallitana admitted that she could not and that got her sad looks from those who could.

῏What do you see, Prakeshya?῏ Ikekiya asked.

῏The tree sparkles with light that flashed from the roots into the leaves. It shimmers like when those with power glow,῏ she replied.

^You can see that?^ one of the Granla asked.

^Pod-Drran, Maha-Rrin, and Asocans can all see further into the ultraviolet and infra-red than we can. They can see when we use our powers,^ Zarreniya explained.

^What does it look like?^ Umma asked.

῏It is a phantom aura of golds and silver that surrounds the body. The strength of the person and the type of power they are using changes the size and colour of the aura. It is beautiful to see it.῏

^I wish I could see that, too.^ someone whispered, getting agreement from others around her.

^Those of you who have Comps, use this setting,^ Ikekiya instructed with a smile. She showed them the setting and then pointed her Comp at the tree. As soon as she did so, she could see the tree in the way that Prakeshya could. Those without Comps, the majority of Granla who were without parents, crowded around the people who had them and cooed at the sight. It truly was spectacular.

^Is this the way you see things all the time, Prakeshya,^ Umma asked, getting a nod back.

^It is starting to get chilly,^ a servant stated. ^We are going to have to close the doors for the comfort of those in the Grand Hall.^

The children all followed their guides back into their corner trying to figure out what to do next. Bored children were never a good thing...

As if the gods had ordained it, the Mattas Clutch made its way over to the children's group. *We have something exciting to tell you, Ikekiya, Zarreniya!* Murld exclaimed. He then pointed his palm at the girls and sent a brief burst of empathy to the pair.

*OH!! Murld, you are an empath!* Zarreniya shouted.

*Me too!* >Karden told them as the girls hugged the pair and rubbed their jaws with their faces. The Byandi Granla all came in close as the Mattas females joined their brothers.

The group began chatting excitedly as they learned that the Mattas females were already members of the Asocan Council of Empaths while their brothers were not.

*When did this happen?* Zarreniya asked of the brothers.

*We went back to AsocAR because of the construction on Liramor-23,* Murld told them. *We already knew that we had the seed of empathy, but it was not developing. Tougrate had promised to see if erht could enhance our abilities, but, while we were on AsocAR our abilities began to develop on their own.*

*Uh-huh. We were quite surprised to find that we could now do what our sisters could,* >Karden slipped in.

*The Asocan Goddesses and Gods are still giving blessings to the people,* Ikekiya commented.

The Granla were all excited to find another species that had developed empathy who had been recognized by the Council of Empaths. Their chatter became more and more excited until it was noted by the newlyweds.

^What have we here?^ Tullo asked as the children all bowed to the couple.

^Our friends have developed empathy. They are going to be acknowledged by the Council at Denders,^ Ikekiya explained.

At that, the Byandi children all burst into excited chatter again as they were suddenly looking forward to Denders and their recognition by the Council.

The new couple shared a smile as they realized they would not have to encourage the Granla to go along with them to Denders. The Granla were now looking forward to the upcoming event.

Sylvie Kinlo sent a signal to Ikekiya. ^Oh! We have something to give you, Aunty Adriné and Uncle Tullo.^ Violletiya and Sylvie came forward carrying something heavy under a cloth. The remainder of the Piscium family and many of the guests crowded close as the two ladies placed the heavy object on a nearby table.

^Please Aunty Adrine, Uncle Tullo, you see you gift now,^ Ikekiya said, her language abilities languishing in her excitement. It was an unusual request as by Byandi tradition bridal gifts were usually not opened in front of other guests out of respect to those who might not be as affluent as other guests bringing items that might not look as good as those of other guests.

The pair looked at each other and nodded, pulling the cloth off the item. There, on the table was an exact replica of their entwined hands in gold leaf, with the very ribbon that had been used to bind them signed by all the royal guests. The pair were shocked when they saw the gift.

^When we took the ribbon, we wrote our names on it. The other guests wanted to sign it too. That's why we took so long to bring the gift to you,^ Zarreniya explained.

Adriné reached out and slid her hand along the recreation of Tullo's hand and smiled at her mate. Tullo leaned in and kissed her cheek.

^This is a very thoughtful gift, Ikekiya, Zarreniya,^ he said. ^I can see the efforts of many people that went into this.^

^Uh-huh,^ Ikekiya agreed. ^We took image of you hands yesterday and had Boatswain O'Neil on the Wanderer to make it to scale. We then asked Wehto, the Castada gilder, to put gold leaf on it in a hurry. He had to work very late to finish gilding it and he bring it early this afternoon. We asked the Castada Fierro Garrinno; to tie the ribbon around the statue the same way he tied you up once everyone had signed the ribbon. So, yes, many people helped.^

Adriné suddenly pulled her hand back. ^The gilding is still fresh then,^ she commented.

^I guess you will just have to rub my real hand,^ Tullo laughed as he extended his hand to her. That got another kiss from Adriné. The girls got big hugs from the new couple. They emphatically flashed happiness, and love to the pair with the Cats purring in their ears. The Granla, surprised by the level of power that they could feel, all came in and passed their love and happiness along as well.

The girls accepted the flood of power as more and more empaths joined in. They decided that they should share this with all of Mylatinyl, but Junelliya stepped in immediately.

"Girls, you don't have the ability to direct that much power. At the very least it could fizzle out and at the extreme, it could harm you." She put her own hand in and took the power from all the empaths then extended her other hand touching the new couple.

"With your permission, Mylatrin?^ The Mylatrin smiled and asked Junelliya to continue.

Junelliya opened her power, projecting her voice for all to hear. "By the direction of the Mylatrin Adriné ti Salta, the Titular Head of the Granla Byandi Shollsen, we the Granla offer the people of Mylatinyl and the Byandi Realm our blessings."

As she spoke, she took in all the power and then pushed it out as far as she could. A very sudden spike of power shot out and flashed all around the planet, sending their love, happiness, peace, and good wishes to all the Byandi. The power was such that Byandi on all planets watching the event, also experienced the blessing through the ICS link.

^What just happened?^ Tullo asked.

"Junelliya has just experienced a pregnancy spike," Councillor Elliya clarified. "I'll explain about it later; however, this blessing may have gone much further than expected. We will have to verify that."

The Mylatrin signalled Corruun, who acknowledged her silent order. She would investigate what had happened.

The statue was moved to the couple's table of gifts. The couple were very pleased to see this gift and passed by the table frequently to look at it.

^This looks like this could become a Mating Ceremony tradition, Sammetta,^ Pelleré said as the couple passed the table yet again.

^I think it could be, Pelleré,^ Sammetta agreed. And indeed it did become a new part of the Byandi mating ritual.

Things were beginning to wind down. By tradition, the guests could not leave before the new couple retired for their first night together. The guests smiled when they saw the couple try to sneak out. It was sort of a game played by the couple and their guests, in which the couple would try to sneak away unannounced while the guests kept them from leaving.

Eventually, the guests would be persuaded to 'look away' as the new couple escaped. The smiling guests then moved to their accommodations or went home. It had been a long and very tiring day for all.

************

The four friends were back in the Piscium apartments getting ready for bed. The children all smiled as they watched each other do their teeth. They were fascinated by the way other races did them.

Eventually, they were tucked in together, along with the Cats, and were soon all fast asleep.

************

The new couple slipped into the Mylatrin's apartment not long after they left the Grand Hall. They were all over each other the moment they were alone.

This was not the first time the couple had been intimate, but it was the first time they could 'legally' be intimate. Prior to this, their intimacy was limited to a little groping and lots of kisses. Now, it could go to the limits and the couple were eager to discover them.

Adriné helped Tullo remove his sash of office, sliding her hands over her mate's chest as she did so. He kept himself in shape and she was pleased by this.

Tullo, in turn, helped her remove her sash of office and then took great delight in unwinding her sheer saree. The pair helped each other out of their Kettanet leggings and revelled in their nudity.

Adriné was pleased to note her mate was bigger than average with his male appendage. Not so big as to be difficult to use, but big enough to add extra pleasure. She smiled at the thought.

The two began to explore each other's bodies, gentle caresses helping to arouse their partner. Tullo licked all around her breasts with the tip of his tongue. Byandi tongues did not protrude much beyond their lips so the tips was pretty much all he could use. He closed his lips over Adriné's nipples, gently sucking on them, causing her to coo with pleasure.

He only took in her nipples with his lips as the Byandi mouth was filled with rows of conical teeth, a very dangerous place for tender flesh. Being limited by the structure of their mouths, oral sex was not an integral part of Byandi intimacy.

But that did not deter the pair in any way. The Byandi had long fingers with four joints as opposed to hum fingers with three joints. They used those fingers skillfully; especially where sex was concerned.

Fingers slid over nipples, pulling and tweaking. They brushed along sensitive areas of the flesh, teasing their partner to greater heights of arousal. Eventually, those fingers landed on the sexual organs of their partners. Here the teasing stopped and the pleasure truly began.

Adriné skilfully stroked her new mate while he reciprocated with gentle touches and penetrations up to the second joints of his fingers. He was pleased by the dampness he felt, telling him that his previous actions had been more than sufficient to help arouse his lover.

Adriné abruptly arrived at a point where she had enough of the teasing. She pulled him to her using his hard rod as a handle. Tullo didn't hesitate and eagerly moved to follow her hand, bringing his maleness to her sex.

Adriné cooed as he gently penetrated her. It had been some time since she had been taken by a male and she revelled in the feelings she hadn't experienced in so long.

No longer flushed with the burden of youth, their lovemaking was gentle and languid, seeming to take forever to reach its peak. After some time, that peak finally caught up with the pair and their combined voices were heard by the staff outside of the rooms. Pleased smiles lingered on their faces as the new couple sounded the joy of their union.

It had been a long and strenuous day for the pair so sleep shrouded their bodies not long after the consummation of their mating...

The Mylatrin's Apartments, Castada ne Mylatin, Mylatin City, Mylatinyl, The Salta System, The Byandi Realm

The staff were tiptoeing around early the next morning, attempting to allow the new couple some extra time together. They were unaware, however, that the new couple were in the private pool together, revelling in their own intimate space. It was only when giggling and splashing was heard from outside that word was brought back to the Mylatrin's servants.

The staff quietly entered the apartment and set up a small table with tea and toasted bread before attempting to exit. However, the Royal couple, still naked, stepped into the room before the staff could make their escape. As their staff was mostly female, they were drawn to the raw maleness of the Caltan.

^Lauara, that is my mate that you are staring at so intently,^ the Mylatrin scolded teasingly. ^I do not mind you looking, Lauara, but I would prefer not seeing your thoughts so expressively on your face. After all, he is my mate.^

^MY LIEGE!^ Lauara shouted with a start. ^I would never do such a thing!^

The Mylatrin giggled. ^I know, Lauara. But I couldn't help teasing. His presence is so impactful.^ The Mylatrin noted all of the female staff absentmindedly nodding their heads in agreement in Byandi style (a circling of their noses at the top of the head in a counterclockwise motion).

^Uh, do the Mylatrin and the Caltan need assistance in dressing,^ one of the servants asked hopefully but timidly.

^I'm sure my Caltan would like some help being dried and having help with his Kettanet pants and boots. Is there any amongst you that would like that task?^

Almost immediately all of the female's hands rose into the air to outright laughter from the Mylatrin.

************

The exercise session was an hour later than normal but that was not unexpected by the adults in the group. The first sign of the arrival of the new couple was the excited entrance of the Mylatrin's personal maids, rushing ahead of the pair. They were soon followed by the entrance of the Mylatrin and the Caltan. The participants all bowed to the pair.

Adriné noted a significantly larger group this morning, which included the young of the Asocans, the Pod-Drran, and Maha-Rrin, many of whom were on crutches or riding float chairs. They were obviously present for the power exercises.

^Welcome to our new participants. Those of you who can, should follow the physical exercises as we progress with respect to your anatomy. Those of you who are not at this stage,^ she stated tactfully, ^ can join us in the empathic or telepathic exercises with respect to your powers. Let us begin...^

Kim took over and began the session, which was a little more intense this morning. The Byandi were feeling it as this was their third day of exercising. After a rather gruelling physical session, they then turned to the other exercises.

It was then that Councillor Petronellaya addressed the group. "To all of our new empaths or telepaths we must now speak of something very important.

"There will be a session of the committees for rules and codes of conduct for the empaths and telepaths of the Asocans, the Byandi, the Harradi, the Maha-Rrin, and the Pod-Drran at Denders in a few weeks time. This will set the rules for each of the respective races going forward.

"Once these rules are established, you will be made aware of them and will be required to live by them for the rest of your lives. This is not as burdensome as it would seem as the rules are quite flexible. However, there is one particular rule that applies to both empaths and telepaths that is fixed in stone... that is knowing when it is permissible to use one's powers.

"The simple rule of thumb is that you must have permission. Permission is granted in one of four ways: by being given personal permission by the one you are scanning, being given permission by a guardian of the person being scanned, given permission by a medical officer in place of a guardian for an injured person who cannot give permission, and finally, given permission by a guardian appointed by a court of law.

"If you do not have one of these permissions to use your power, then you will fall afoul of the rules of your various councils and be subject to disciplinary hearings.

"You may ask Lady Junelliya about this. At last year's Denders Summit, she ran afoul of this rule and acted outside of her authority. She was fined 10,000 credits and restricted for three months from her studies for doing so.

"None of you will be forgiven if you disobey this rule. After all, despite her immense power levels, Lady Junelliya was put before a disciplinary hearing. Please keep this in mind. Now, I believe that the Mylatrin has something to say.

^Thank you Petronellaya. By the end of this week, I will sign into law new court definitions for Gratna, Granla, Telepaths, Prophets, and Halitez. As a courtesy to you, I will now explain them:

^Gratna: A person or persons who uses the black arts, potions, and curses to act against a person, persons, or the community with evil intent. Evil intent is defined as the purposeful intent to cause harm, injury, and suffering to a person or persons without cause or reason.

^Granla: A person who has the power to read the emotions of others and is directed by the Granla Byandi Shollsen. They have no evil intent and are protected under the law. In fact, any such person who does display evil intent will be redesignated as a Gratna and face the full force of the law.

^Telepath: a person who has the power to read the thoughts of others and is directed by the Order of Telepaths. Like the Granla, they are protected under the law so long as they do not abuse their powers. Should they do so, they will be treated as Gratna.

^Prophets: a person who can see the future and is directed by the Corps of Prophets. As with Granla and Telepaths they are protected under the law so long as they do not abuse their powers.

^And finally, the Halitez: a Halitez is an established prophet who has earned a name for themselves. They must follow the dictates of the Corps of Prophets. Should they fail to follow the rules of the Corps, they will be subject to the full force of the law.

^Those are the new definitions which will be used in future to define your rights as citizens with power.

^As stated earlier by Councillor Petronellaya, we will define the Codes of Conduct of the various groups this summer. You will then be required to understand and follow these rules for the remainder of your lives. Initially, you may find it difficult to conform to these rules. However, if you act with permission, you will find it easy to live as a person with power.

^Now, my stomach tells me it is time to eat...^ That got a cheer from all as they surged to where the cooks were waiting for them.

************

The new Royal Couple sat in their first ever ad-hoc emergency session not long after they had eaten. They were one minister short as a new senior minister had yet to be chosen to replace the Caltan.

Corruun stood at a signal and began the session.

^Yesterday, during the evening, the Granla formed together to send a blessing to the people of the planet. It went much further than we anticipated.

^Lady Junelliya had what is known as a 'pregnancy spike', which is defined as a sudden burst of additional power during pregnancy. Since Lady Junelliya is already a very formidable Granla, the spike she put forth was amazingly powerful.

^It is reported that all on the planet felt the power brush over them, giving the blessings of love, happiness, peace, and goodwill. However, it did not end there...

^We have reports that all those who were watching the event via ICS, also received the blessings of the Granla. However, there is some controversy in this as the blessing does not seem to have been recorded by electronic means.

^The entertainment channels tell us that the ceremony was watched by more than 80% of the realm. For the first time ever, it has now become abundantly clear to all Byandi just how valuable the Granla could be to the realm. People have been talking about it non-stop since the event itself.

^As such, we can capitalize on this to push the benevolence of the Granla and just how useful they could potentially be for the realm.

^The gist of this is that the Granla are suddenly being seen in a new and favourable light. While there has been some reporting of anger and vile commentary against the 'Gratna', that is very much in the minority of the reports from our investigation. That concludes my report, My Liege.^

^Very well. If the threats are of sufficient intensity, a visit from the local police authority or from the local branch of the Brucomma would be in order,^ the Mylatrin instructed.

^We normally hold a meet and greet with those who are receiving awards. These get-togethers often have reporters at them,^ the Caltan interjected. ^We should use part of this time to introduce the current members of the Granla as 'Corps Members' of our new Shollsen.^

^Lauara, most of the Granla do not have Comps, correct?^ the Mylatrin demanded.

^Only those who have parents with them have purchased Comps, My Liege.^

^Find out how many need Comps. We will make a formal presentation of them when we present them to the media. You will have to work quickly as there is not much time.^

^That will not be an issue, My Liege, as we already have the numbers. We simply need to make the purchases. Is it your intent to present all Granla with Comps, My Liege?^

^Only those who are admitted to the ranks of Granla-Itan. We will also provide Comps at government expense for all personnel working at the Castada, our Brucomma, and other government officers.^

^As I understand things, My Liege, the fifty-three Granla we have in the Castada are all to be granted Granla-Itan status. That they are being given Comps at government expense should indicate to the citizens of the realm that we see the Granla as a government necessity.^

^Very well. We shall state that when we introduce our Corps Members during the Meet and Greet,^ the Mylatrin agreed.

^I would suggest, My Liege, that we make a presentation of Comps to all of the Granla and not just those who need Comps. Those Granla who have Comps have only basic models and the government model we are looking at are far superior. We can make arrangements to return the purchased Comps to the families.^ Lauara mused.

^That is an excellent suggestion. Are there any final questions or comments? We need to close out this session as we need to prepare for our meet and greet.^ Only one issue came up and it was swiftly taken care of.

************

The gates at the bottom of the grand stairs opened at 10:00 hrs for the crowd of recipients for the meet and greet with the Royal Couple. The Royal Family were in the Small Hall upstairs, having a private greeting with those who were receiving medals and orders that afternoon and their families.

The setting was informal as some of the recipients were quite young, especially the members of the Granla, Telepaths, and Prophets.

The Royal Family, including Vellda, were circulating and speaking to the participants prior to their meeting with the new Royal Couple. Selfies by family members were taken with the Royal Couple, the Royal Family, with Lady Junelliya, and Li Mallitana Semetess.

There were fifty-eight recipients, their families, plus all the Granla.

At 11:00 hrs, the Royal Couple addressed the media. ^Today, along with our award recipients, we would like to introduce to you the Corps Members of the Granla Byandi Shellson. They are fifty-three strong and of all ages, ranging from late teens all the way down to three year olds. Lauara, if you would...^

Lauara called each of the Granla by name working from the eldest to the youngest. They each bowed to the Royal Family and were presented with new Comps of good quality. The corps members were ecstatic to receive such from the Royal Family.

It didn't take long to go through the Granla and then the Mylatrin addressed the media.

^As became very evident yesterday evening, the Granla will become a major asset to the Byandi Government. These young Granla will be the corps of our new Shollsen, but they will soon be joined by many others.

^All over the realm, my Brucomma have been tasked with finding and providing shelter and safety to those who were once called Gratna. They will be trained to properly use their powers for the good of the community.

^We Byandi are not the only ones who have been blessed with new Granla and telepaths. The Humans, the Asocans, the Harradi, the Maha-Rrin, the Pod-Drran and the Toolend, all find themselves with people who can use powers. We will follow the lead of the Humans and create Shollsens to direct and control our new Granla and Telepaths.

^It will be the responsibility of this government to ensure that our Granla, telepaths, and prophets, respect and support the community at large. That is why we have formed our own versions of the Granla Byandi Shollsen, the Order of Telepaths, and the Corps of Prophets.

^We already have a well-regulated Corps of Prophets. It is now time to regulate our Granla and Telepaths.

^As I am the Titular Head of the Church of Mylatin, I will also become the Titular Head of Granla Byandi Shollsen, the Titular Head of the Order of Telepaths, and the Titular Head of the Corps of Prophets. This is so that decrees passed by any one of these groups will automatically have a Royal Warrant for them.

^By the end of this week, we will promulgate new definitions for Gratna, Granla, Telepaths, Prophets, and Halitez. These definitions will allow these people to be protected under the law so long as they do not break the law.

^Thank you, the media, for your time. We will now allow you to circulate with those to be awarded this afternoon and with our new Granla, if they wish to speak with you.^

************

The gates to the Grand Stairway opened at 11:30 hrs. As per normal during awards ceremonies, there was no receiving line.

A half hour prior to the event, the families were brought down to the Great Hall and seated at the front of all of the guests, many of whom were extended family members of the recipients.

Fifteen minutes prior to the ceremony the recipients, including the Piscium family, were escorted down as the guests were urged to rise. The crowd applauded heartily as the recipients took their seats.

Finally, the Royal Family came down as a group.

^All rise for the Mylatrin Adriné ti Salta, the Caltan Tullo ti Arrendur, Mylat Alafka ti Salta, Mylat Errlla ti Salta, Mylat Brammo ti Salta, and Vellda ti Salta, the Royal Salta Family!^ Lauara called out as she saw the family appear in the doorway.

The Mylatrin addressed the crowd, giving praise to the recipients before turning to the first presenter.

^Guests, please welcome the Mayor of Mylatin City, Mayor Selturra ti Etagga,^ Lauara took over once again. ^She is presenting a Mayor's award to two Mallitana who worked hard during a junior school charity drive and have brought in an unprecedented amount of money from the public. At the Mayor's request, the pair was recommended for a Bronze Citizens Medal for their work on top of the Mayor's Award, which is why they were part of this ceremony.^

^Please welcome Atta, and Sutta of Mylatin City!^

The crowd surged to its feet and cheered for the two young Mallitana as they rose and were guided before the Mayor.

The Mallitana were thrilled to be awarded their Community Recognition Gold Certificates from the Mayor and even more thrilled to receive the Bronze Citizens Medal from the hands of the Mylatrin and the Caltan. These medals were not meant to be worn so were presented on plaques to the pair.

^These two Mallitana have also been granted the right to a family name when they come of age,^ Lauara informed the guests. To those who would ask, why are they not permitted to have a family name now? This is because they can pass their family names to their children but cannot pass it back to their current family. Thus, they must wait until they come of age to claim their names."

The pair posed for images with the Mayor and the Royal Family and then rushed back to their families for hugs before returning to their seats.

Several more people were brought forward to receive 'lesser' awards, though no one receiving an award at this venue would think of them as any lesser. Finally, it was time for more serious awards.

^Would Tokussa, Caye ti Ur, and Alya ti Garrant of the House of Ur Trading Company please come forward,^ Lauara spoke. ^These three will be the first recipients of the new 'Friends of the Byandi Realm' award. As Tokussa is the first recipient, the award will henceforth be referred to as the 'Tokussa Award'.

^The House of Ur Trading Company has been responsible for the emergence of a new daily interplanetary passenger service that is growing rapidly between the planets of our realm. They are also responsible for establishing the new Comms system which supports the Wrist Comps many of us now wear and almost single-handedly starting a multi-Community commerce network within the realm that does not involve the Djinaëte.

^The Byandi Government, the Byandi Realm, and the Byandi Royal Family, are eternally grateful for what you have accomplished to date and look forward to your future escapades. You will be presented the Gold Level Friend of the Byandi Realm Award,^ Lauara finished.

The three were presented their medals by the three Mylats of the Royal Family.

^For receiving this award, Tokussa will also be afforded the right to a family name. By what name do you wish to be known, Tokussa?^

^Sattasso. It is the town I was born in, which no longer exists as a separate town anymore as it has been absorbed into the larger neighbouring city,^ Tokussa replied.

The Mylatrin and Tokussa sat at two tables and her new name was registered under the seal of the Mylatrin.

^Next, we have Ehrrinno and his mate, Farla, from the Taddassan Interplanetary Passenger Service. Will the two please come to the fore...

^Ehrrinno, was responsible for most of the business dealings, planning, and work towards making the Taddassan Interplanetary Passenger Service a viable service. Farla is his mate and business partner. They will be awarded the Gold Level Friend of the Byandi Realm Award. Congratulations.^

This time, it was the Caltan and his daughter, Vellda, who presented the award to the two recipients.

^Ehrrinno and Farla will also be afforded the right to claim a family name. By what name do you wish to be called?^ Lauara asked.

^Astessor, My Liege,^ Ehrrinno replied for the pair (Astessor, roughly translates as Star Goer).

^An apt name for you and you Ehrrinno, Farla,^ the Mylatrin interjected.

This time, it was the Caltan who sat down and placed his seal on the certificate of family name for both of them.

More awards were named until all but one group remained.

^We now call upon the Piscium family and their staff to step forward,^ Lauara commanded.

The group of eight came to the front and bowed to the Royal Family, all of whom were going to present the awards to the family. Today, the family were all wearing Kimonos and sashes in the family colours with their medals attached to their sashes or around their necks. ^Two nights ago, the Piscium family detected a threat to the Royal Salta family, a conspiracy to assault the recent Royal Mating Ceremony and kill the members of the Royal Family, the Senior Ministers of the realm, and capture the ruling families of the Greater Community. This would have been an unprecedented disaster for the Realm.

^The Pisciums advised the Brucomma of the threat, and also acted to help to capture the conspirators. Because of their assistance, and in particular the assistance of the Granla within the Piscium family and staff, the attackers were captured unharmed, leaving only ten to be taken down by the Brucomma who accompanied them. Even the two Piscium Mallitana helped capture one conspirator each.

^All members of the family and their three staff will receive the Gold Level Friend of the Byandi Realm Award and the Brucomma Urdo Semetess Award. Congratulations,^ Lauara finished.

As the Byandi did not have much of a neck, their awards were meant to be pinned to their sashes of office. Each of the Royal family came forward to pin first the Brucomma Urdo Semetess, then the Friend of the Byandi Realm to their sashes. The Piscium girls were then called forward so that the Mylatrin and the Caltan could present their medals to them, completing the ceremony.

Lauara called all the recipients forward for a group image with the Royal family as the guests applauded vigorously.

End of Chapter Seventy-One.