Unity by Carl Stubblefield (epub read online books TXT) 📕

audible hiss, and gloved hands removed it. Aurora gasped and an uncomfortable quiet settled over the other supers at what they saw.

Chapter Thirty-Six

In My Life

Gus’ jaw dropped when he saw under the helmet for the first time.

“Nekomimi…” the vizier whispered in astonishment.

Prime brushed down the damp fur, sweaty from being under the helmet, into a semblance of order. She turned and faced the other supers, eyes set.

Gus thought he saw a brief glint of withheld tears, but it could have been the light.

“My parents were both beastkin and the procedures were done before I even had a choice.” She turned to Tempest. “I’m sorry I never told you, but Purple Faction had been the only place where I have truly felt like myself. I know some have prejudices against my kind, and I understand if this changes things between us. I hid this aspect of myself precisely for that reason. Just know this: I did not choose this. It was put upon me, and I have learned how to deal with it the best I can.”

She turned and faced the vizier again, becoming resolute, pleading tone gone from her voice.

“I make this request again, as a beastkin and not as a super. And the council will hear about this breach of the accords. I. Seek. Audience.” She punctuated her words with a staccato rhythm, biting off each one.

Gus looked back and forth between the thin cat woman cowing the larger steward, trying to absorb the change in dynamic. He looked to the rest of the Crew and saw similar expressions of uncertainty and confusion.

The vizier stammered, looking back to the figures seated behind him, mouth working but no sound coming forth. With a lazy paw, the female figure dismissed him, and he disappeared behind a curtain.

Prime hung her head, but her hands clenched into fists and released.

“I’m not sure what prejudices you’ve been talking about, but I’m totally okay with you,” Gus leaned forward and whispered to Prime, trying to show some form of support. The royals left them standing there, drawing out the silence.

“I told you she would return,” the queen finally said, satisfaction thick in her mellifluous voice. “I grant you audience, my little cub.”

Gus cast his eyes around and was surprised to see even Grimdark’s mouth agape at the news. What was the big deal?

“Before you get your hopes up, I am not here to claim the throne. I am merely here to deliver something to fulfill a commitment.”

A loud roar emanated from the king, and he raised a massive paw. The denizens of the court fled through multiple portals, leaving the supers alone with the royals and a cadre of surly guards carrying large halberds.

Prime took a step forward and the guards sprang to life, forming a bristly barrier that prevented any further approach. She reached into her jacket and the guards reacted further, some rearing back as they readied to launch their weapons. Raising one hand in surrender, she slowly extracted the remaining hand and placed a small data cube on the ground, then deftly stepped back, keeping her arms raised in a placating gesture.

One of the closest guards approached and pushed the drive with the tip of his weapon. When nothing exploded, he dared to grab the drive and grimaced while he turned to a curtained door and let loose a shrill whistle.

A simian hybrid entered, pushing up circular glasses that had difficulty balancing on his short, sloped nose. He nervously kept pulling down on a pinstripe vest that constantly crept up as he shuffled toward the guard and took the drive. Drawing a small device from a pocket, he plugged the data cube in and typed on a virtual keyboard similar to Yuki’s. The layout was different, for the altered position of the ape’s digits, but he was adept at typing and turned to the throne and nodded before bowing and retreating from the room.

The larger figure on the right throne removed his hood, revealing a luxurious mane. Piercing eyes full of malice fixed directly on Prime as he stood, crossing his muscular arms in front of him.

“You have had your audience, now you may leave, since you have no intention of fulfilling your duties.”

“I do have a request since, of the residents of Hinansho, you are among the most well informed.”

“Dear daughter. That is poor form,” the queen purred, also removing her hood but staying seated. Gus stared at the stunning woman who was a blend of either a cheetah or jaguar. She crossed long legs and leaned forward on one crossed knee, cupping her exquisite chin with a furry, but human-shaped hand. “The information you just delivered has already been paid for previously; you were just the courier. You have no right to make any other demands. If you are unwilling to aid the clan, then we really have nothing to talk about. You can see yourself out.”

“So that’s it? I’ve never asked you for help before, despite all that I’ve been through. Despite all you put me through—”

“Hold your tongue!” the lion shouted, commanding respect. “You have never appreciated all we have sacrificed to give you the opportunities you have. All we have had to go through to reach our station, only to have you throw it all away.”

“I never had a choice in the matter. You made all those decisions for me, and I am the one who had to live with the consequences, not you.”

“You know nothing of suffering. You were so young when those procedures were done, you don’t even remember them, do you? I remember the pain of having my bones broken and reshaped to this form. Muscles ripped away and re-positioned. I know of that pain and it almost broke me mentally. Why would I allow you to go through that? Children take to the procedures much more easily.”

“Why am I even arguing with you? You still have no remorse for what you have done to your only child. I’m sure your lack