War and MG Chap 13

Casey slumped down into the seat of the car, closing his eyes as he settled in. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled slowly in an attempt to release the built up tension.

 

 

“That was the most nerve-wracking hour and a half I have ever experienced,” said Casey, letting his head slump to the side on the seat. A familiar tickling sensation brushing against his cheek, Casey opened his eyes. Emrald was peering at him, smiling brightly.

 

 

“You did well. All of you did, really.” She brushed at his cheeks with one of her tails again, finally getting a smile out of him.  Reaching out, he began to stroke one of her tails.

 

 

“I don’t know what you were so worried about. Everything went according to the script. The audience seemed thrilled to see you lot,’ she said, speaking softly. As she spoke she gathered up her tails, draping them on him one by one.  

 

 

A small sigh escaping through his nose, Casey let himself flop over onto her tails, burying his face in the fluffy blanket. As if she had anticipated this course of events, she leaned over and began stroking the back of his head and neck. His body practically bled out its tension as he relished the softness and scents of her fur; the caress of her hands on his neck.  Closing his eyes, he remained on her tails for a long while, allowing himself to fully relax.

 

 

“You’re good at this,” he said, the thick fluff muffling his voice.  

 

 

“How could I say no to someone who loves my tails and ears so much? “

 

 

Casey thought about that for a moment. Would he have allowed himself to enjoy the sensations of her animalistic features if they didn’t belong to what was otherwise a person? Taking a deep breath in through his nose, he reaffirmed that there was none of the musky animal aroma that he would expected from fox fur. It wasn’t quite human either. It was a unique scent – Emrald’s scent.

 

 

“Lovely tails to match a lovely lady,” he said quietly.

 

 

“When did you become such a sweet-talker?” Emrald said, giggling softly.

 

 

Rolling his head, he looked up to see Emrald gazing down at him, a small, content smile softening her features. Much like their first encounter, her striking green eyes were utterly captivating.  It was almost like they cast a charm on him. Which made him think.

 

 

“Hey, you said kitsune are strong magic users, right?” Casey said, sitting back up.

 

 

“Yes, why do you ask?” She said, tilting her head slightly.

 

 

“Other than the thing you did that let us communicate, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you do anything… well, magical.”

 

 

“Oh? Am I required to show off?” Emrald leaned away from Casey, raising an eyebrow.

 

 

“No, I just meant… I’m curious as to what you can do. I guess I’d just like to know more about…” Casey looked her in the eye, hoping it’d increase the impact of what he was about to say next. “About the woman I love.”

 

 

She closed her eyes and sighed, her stiff posture relaxing. Casey did his best to suppress his victory smile.

 

 

“How can I say no when you ask like that?”

 

 

Holding a finger up in front of her, she looked at the tip, then to Casey. A small blue flame snapped into existence, hovering above her finger. Then she pointed her finger at him, causing the small flame to drift forward.

 

 

“Don’t worry,” she said as Casey recoiled away from it. His eyes shifted rapidly from the flame to her and back again. “If you say so…”

 

 

The lazy flame brushed against his skin, but rather than burning, it simply felt warm. It trailed around his arms, leaving behind small blue arcs that continued to give off warmth. Emrald smiled at Casey as he watched the flame run across him like a brush.

 

 

“It feels… nice,” he said.

 

 

Then, just as suddenly as it appeared, the flame winked out of existence.  

 

 

“I, or rather we, are adept at using magics that affect the mind and senses, you see. That is why no one but me could allow you men to understand us,” she said, a familiar smug grin appearing.  Truthfully he was impressed, but he would rather not admit it.

 

 

“Does that mean you could make me imagine that this pain doesn’t exist?” He asked, patting at his left flank.

 

 

“I… could yes, but I would not. It requires concentration to keep the effect active. Pain is also a convenient way to make you take it easy, you see. If you felt no pain the healing process could be slowed, or you may even hurt yourself further...”

 

 

Slightly disappointed, he suddenly thought of a different way to ask the same question.

 

 

“What’s with that sly smile…?” Emrald said, her voice ringed with trepidation. Just as Casey had become wary of certain expressions Emrald would wear, so too was she beginning to dread his.

 

 

“But if I wasn’t in pain during our love-making, just think of all the things I could do.”

 

 

His smile spread from cheek to cheek.

 

 

“That’s… That’s… Why do you tease me so?” Emrald said, turning red as her imagination took hold.

 

 

“Like I said… it… it takes concentration to maintain. We also are not to use magic so recklessly.”

 

 

By now even the driver was beginning to laugh. Casey looked at her through the rear-view mirror, sharing a grin.

 

 

Hiding behind her tail, only her eyes peeked out at him.

 

 

“M-maybe if you really want…”

 

 

“Hey, none of that in here! Try to contain yourselves for another two hours, we’ll be at the hotel by then,” the driver yelled to the back, a note of amusement tinging her words.

 

 

“Hmph! Like I’d do anything in the back seat of a car. What sort of uncouth kitsune do you take me for?” Emrald said, crossing her arms and turning her head to the side. Reaching over, Casey gave her a comforting hug, laughing at how easy it was tease the fox.  

 

 

“Fine, fine, I’ll just endure this if you think it’s for the best.”

 

 

Emrald sighed, wondering at what point she went from teasing him to being teased by him.

 

 

--

 

 

Standing alone in the center of the council room, Serlov was slightly worried. After the rally, she had been told to come here immediately as there was a Council of Representatives session in progress that wanted to question her. What made it worrying was that she was told it was an ad-hoc meeting of representatives that happened to be around, but it appeared that nearly all of them were here. She narrowed her eyes as she looked around the chamber.  

 

 

This meeting was not by entirely by chance. Rather, whoever had called this session had seen fit to not tell her until the last minute. What motive could there be in hiding that information? Was it to get her away from the unit she had led here?

 

 

A gavel banged behind her, followed by a booming voice.

 

 

“This meeting is now in session. As this is an irregular meeting, those who are unable to attend have been excused. This session is to discuss the legality of Colonel Mirona Serlov’s methods regarding the supposed voluntary human recruits.”

 

 

So that’s what this is about. But why here instead of a military tribunal? Letting her gaze wander, she attempted to identify the members who were aligned with the so-called “Liminal” party. They believed themselves to be higher beings than humanity, and that it was their right to rule over them. Though initially weak, they had managed to garner significant support in recent years. Serlov figured they were the most likely to have called for this emergency session.

 

 

What did they have to gain by doing this now, after the rally tour had been kicked off? Were they that desperate? Or was there some other machination involved?

 

 

“Representative Ashay, you have the floor,” the Speaker said from behind Serlov.

 

 

“So it is them,” she muttered under her breath as a wyvern stood. The dragons, and those related to them, seemed to have the most pride on this issue. They’d been pushing the most heavily for the subjugation of humanity. Serlov hadn’t seem this particular woman before.

 

 

“Fellow Representatives. As you all know, the tour that these human men have begun has proven to be rather popular. Far too popular.”

 

 

What was that wyvern getting at?

 

 

“I worry it has become a moral hazard, but that is a point for another day. While the rallies have been approved and I do not mean to contest that vote, it is unknown to us how exactly the human males have come into the service of the Colonel,” Ashay said, peering down at Serlov.

 

 

“Are we to believe that prisoners of war would so willingly side with an enemy after just a few short weeks? Obviously not. They had been coerced, and their baser instincts were appealed to.” Ashay let venom drip into her words, pointing with a wing at Serlov.

 

 

“They had been lured with promises of riches and sex. Surely you all saw those humans standing there, flaunting our people like trophies?

 

 

So that’s their angle this time. With a groan, Serlov realized that’s why she was summoned alone. Without the accused here to give their defense, Ashay’s argument could not be directly refuted.  

 

 

“Is this so-called ‘co-existence’ merely whoring ourselves out? We should be parading those humans around in a cage, not letting them run amok, doing what and who they please.” Ashay paused to look around, gauging the reactions from her peers. The other Liminals were nodding in agreement, spurring the wyvern on.

 

 

“As the war has shown, we are clearly superior to them. There is no reason for us to debase ourselves by descending to their level,” Ashay declared, her voice filled with contempt.

 

 

Very good, Serlov thought. Use the success of the war to your advantage; use it to claim our superiority. Never mind that our ‘superiority’ is due solely to years of focused weapons and civil research in preparation for hostilities. Had it not been for a total war economy for years on end, we would likely still be behind humanity. How quickly they forget. And how quick they were to impress their might upon humanity.

 

 

“And let’s not forget how Serlov targeted wounded men – those would be at their most vulnerable – for capture. She had intended from the very start to force those under her command to engage in close, physical relations in order to captivate and persuade the humans.” The wyvern then stood silent, looking down at the lamia.  

 

 

Serlov looked back at the Speaker, who nodded at her glance.

 

 

“Superiority? Debase ourselves? Whoring ourselves out?” Serlov said, stressing an increasing incredulity with every question, casting her arms out in disbelief. “And forcing my units into physical relations? How can you make such accusations so blindly?”

 

 

Ashay sneered. “I would name my source, but then you would most certainly retaliate against them. I will not risk them unless absolutely required.”

 

 

How convenient. It was also worrying that she had possible moles slipping out intel.  

 

 

“Then as you will not give your proof, then I do not feel compelled to offer anything other than my word. I have never, and will never, give orders, explicit or otherwise, to anyone under my command to participate in any sort of romantic of sexual coercion. As for physical contact, that is to be expected as the humans work and live within close proximity to us,” Serlov said, keeping her voice as calm and even as possible.

 

 

“And why were they in close contact anyways? Cou-,” Ashay said, but was cut-off mid-sentence by Serlov.

 

 

“Because they required medical treatment, care, and my station did not have prisoner barracks. And, that’s  the point of coexistence, is it not? To be able to live closely to one another?” Serlov said, glaring up at the wyvern. Ashay attempted to speak again, but Serlov cut her off before the first word escaped her throat.

 

 

“We targeted a medical camp that the humans had left in their retreat. Yes, they left their fellow man to die. I can’t answer for their actions, but I felt it would be an excellent opportunity to show that we are not some sort of wrathful, conquering army. We saved human lives, and we saved our own as we did not have to risk combat to capture them. And yes, it was my hope that by demonstrating our compassion we could prove that we are only retaliating against an assault on us. That we only wish to secure our safety.”

 

Serlov took in a deep breath and snorted through her nose after her monologue, returning Ashay’s burning stare. The whole war had been concocted in the first place by the Liminal faction. As soon as the envoys were killed they were quick to fan the flames of anger and beat the drums of wars. Diplomacy was never an option to them.

 

 

During the lull in the exchange between the wyvern and the lamia, another member from the assembly motioned to speak.

 

 

“From your testimony then, you claim your actions were driven by some kind of altruism?” Serlov broke from her staring contest with Ashay to identify the new voice.

 

 

Though soft spoken, Serlov knew to be wary of the voice’s owner – an old, tired looking arachnee named Mica Lusino. Part of the Fatalists, the party that was against any sort of intervention within the human realm, she was nonetheless often viewed as an arbitrator between the Liminals and the United Front – the UF held the current majority and was the party pushing for coexistance.  

 

 

“Altruism? Not entirely. Saving them coincided with our goals,” Serlov said, keeping her voice level.  

 

 

“So then you admit to using them towards your own ends?” Ashay shot back before the lamia or spider had a chance to say anything else. “You used these men, turning them against their own people! That’s a serious warcrime, you know.”

 

 

Serlov ran a hand through her hair in frustration. This wasn’t a questioning - it was a witchhunt. Before she could formulate a response, Mica spoke up in her stead.  

 

 

“I think what she is saying, Representative Ashay, is that she saw an opportunity to lend a hand that ultimately proved beneficial for both sides.” Mica turned from Ashay towards Serlov. “And she did so with the support and knowledge of the commanding staff, correct?”

 

 

“Correct.” Serlov almost allowed a smile to form. Looking around, she was surprised at how calm everyone was. Most of those assembled here kept an impassive mask on. The firebrand oration Ashay was attempting did not appear to be swaying the minds or hearts of anything except for other Liminals. She wondered how many here actually cared about these rather trifling matters.

 

 

“Then, what about the women that were with those humans? How do you explain that?” Ashay said, shifting the argument.  Serlov narrowed an eye.  “…What about them?”

 

 

“If you did not offer your troop to them, then explain their presence.”

 

 

Serlov laughed in spite of herself, drawing the wyvern’s ire. “Are you really asking that? Have you listened to nothing I’ve said? Or that anyone else has said? While you may see humanity as scuttling creatures for you to step on, others are not so narrow-minded. They willfully pursue relationships,” Serlov paused after emphasizing her last word, “so that they may attempt to experience what it means to have a normal life. A life long denied to most of us for many generations.”

 

 

Ashay blanched at Serlov’s words.

 

 

“So you assert that some of those under your command have willfully committed to… joining with these men – men you captured, supposedly without ill intent?”

 

 

“Yes, that’s correct. Why are you asking me these things now? Why not before you approved their entrance to our world?”

 

 

Mica intervened, this time on Ashay’s behalf. “I believe it is because outside of the military, few of us were aware of the circumstances that led to them coming here.” Ashay shot Mica an annoyed look. Right question, wrong tone.

 

 

“Well, now you know. Do not think that those you see are all that I have. Most of the prisoners elected to stay loyal to their homelands. You may visit my compound and ask them yourselves if you wish. There has been no duress upon them – they have been treated fairly despite their decision.”

 

Mica nodded, satisfied. Ashay, however, launched into another barrage of questions. Serlov was beginning to tire of this game. Curiously, no one from the UF had said anything. She looked up towards their chief member, a spry kitsune by the name of Thayla Dirz – Emrald’s great aunt. Thayla seemed rather pleased with how events were unfolding. Glancing towards Serlov, she smiled with her eyes.

 

So then she has nothing to fear from what has been said so far, Serlov thought.

 

 

--

 

 

While Serlov waited for the cheaffur to bring a car around, she saw Thayla approaching. Serlov nodded to her as she came near.

 

 

“Good afternoon, Representative Dirz.”

 

 

“No need for formalities, Mirona,” Thayla said, smiling easily. “You did well on the floor tonight. I don’t think anyone has changed their opinion of your operation.”

 

 

“That is what I hope. Still, for them to call a session on such a trivial matter seems…”

 

 

“Petty?” Thayla said, finishing Serlov’s statement. “Yes, I agree. As did most everyone there, even some of the other Liminals. The fringe members are beginning to tire of the antics from the vocal minority. They’re getting desperate. If that first rally was any indication, I don’t think we will have anything to fear in the next elections.” Thayla’s smile had faded into a slight grimace.

 

 

“Desperate? Are you saying we might be in danger?” Serlov shifted uneasily. She was regretting not bringing more of her own people with.

 

 

“Possibly. They want to squash your, and our, popularity before it gets out of hand. I think most of them are still shrewd enough to avoid anything rash. Still, watch yourself out there.” Thayla looked over at the car as it pulled up to the curb where the two of them were. “And tell my niece I said hello,” she said, her smile returning.

 

 

Serlov returned the kitsune’s smile. “I’ll keep an eye out. Thanks for the warning. And I’ll let her know.”

 

 

Inside the car, Serlov rubbed at her temples. She knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but she didn’t expect such a confrontational meeting only hours back on her first day.

 

 

“This is going to be a long journey,” she whispered to herself.