Anakron was getting ready take to take charge of the Lady Devora after returning the Moz Lidule to Admiral Bethon’s command. He was waiting with Bethon to see Greyla off to Erizza.

"I've inspected the Lady Devora myself," Cratus said. "She's been restored to her original condition, but you should know there was some wear and tear over the past few months, especially to your conference table. It may smell of new varnish."

"That's fine, Lieutenant. Thank you," Anakron answered. "When I heard Colonel Munaci and his aranga crew was aboard, I expected worse. There's a reason the Moz Lidule has all steel furnishings."

“The transport to Erizza is ready,” Bethon said, ignoring the interchange.

"We're prepared to leave," Hal said approaching with one arm locked around Greyla's waist.

Anakron did a brief scan of the two. "Engaged again?"

"Yes." Greyla said. "I'd never forgive myself if Hal had died out there, thinking I didn't love him anymore."

"Yeah, now we've made up, I can die without a care," Hal said kissing Greyla's cheek." You realize I'm going to stay on Erizza with you."

"Your choice. We don't know how the BakoNaat will react."

Tajlon and Nova caught up with them. "I'm bringing a present to the BakoNaat to smooth over hard feelings," Tajlon said.

"What might that be?" Greyla asked.

"A permit for a mortal clone to resurrect their royal lineage. Once the child is old enough to take the throne, you'll be free to leave, Greyla."

"I like that idea," Hal said. "Unless they don't come of age for a hundred years."

"Twenty-five," Greyla said.

***

Greyla had spoken to the BakoNaat and arranged to visit Erizza under a truce agreement.

"Everyone understands their language but me," Hal complained.

"Nova taught me. With your permission I can transfer the files to you before we land," Tajlon offered.

"So you can do all those elder tricks now?"

"I can. Be afraid." Tajlon said raising an eyebrow.

"Go ahead. Plug them in." Hal said.

Tajlon transferred the information.

"You're smooth, buddy. Didn't hurt a bit."

"It wasn't meant to," Tajlon said with a smug smile.

"I hear you. You could shut me down with a single thought."

"I could. Good thing I like you, huh?"

"Just remember I used to put your diapers on, okay?" Hal taunted.

"I purposely erased that memory."

"Guys, focus. We're here," Greyla said.

"Tajlon's multitasking with only a small fraction of his mind, Greyla. I'm the one with limitations." Hal said.

Hal shrugged, "Am I right?"

"It's what I do." Tajlon said.

They landed at the capital and their transport was immediately surrounded by military troops, large lizard like creatures with bayonets mounted on laser rifles.

Greyla had donned the green gown given to her by Sag and groomed herself to look as much like Etaine as possible.

"You just need a little ink and you'll be perfect," Tajlon said.

"I don't happen to have any on me."

"I can give you tattoos if you want them," Tajlon offered.

"Seriously?" Greyla asked. "Just like that?"

"Yes. It's just a file adjustment. How did you think Etaine got them?"

"I don't know, she's just weird enough to do things like that. Can you make my skin green as well."

"Sure. Let's do an Etaine paint job."

Tajlon entered Greyla's files and first colored her body with a light green. He added the tattoos from his memory of Etaine's but changed them up enough to be distinctive. "We don't want to pretend you are Etaine, just her twin sister."

“Yeah, write my name on her backside while you’re at it,” Hal added.

“Don’t you dare, Tajlon.” Greyla warned.

"At least add the scented vapors," Nova said. "I loved the vapors. Intoxicating."

"It's the reptilian version of catnip, Nova," Widhbo said. "You recall she was seducing Bethon and those little BakoNaat beasties. Are you sure there's not a hairy reptile in your family tree somewhere?"

"Not likely. I'm just being open minded to new experiences, Widhbo," Nova replied. "I don't limit myself by phylogeny."

"Oh, just look at you, speaking in four and five syllable words now. What's next? Amaze me some more, Nova."

"I don't want to spoil you to my company, Widhbo. What if I decided to go back to school and leave you again?"

"That's an empty threat," Widhbo said. The ancients would never let you past their doors twice. I'm sure they've learned their lesson."

* * *

When they stepped into the capitol city interface, smoke could be seen coming from various points on the horizon and a throng of angry reptiles were being held off by the BakoNaat military units that met them. Widhbo had remained on the transport and was ready to pull them out on a moment's notice.

"I think the guards are for our protection," Tajlon said. He walked close to Greyla so she would be flanked by Hal on one side and himself on the other.

The BakoNaat were visibly surprised when Greyla came into view and backed away from their visitors as they advanced between the rows of guards. The armed soldiers parted allowing them to pass. Nova walked beside Tajlon and seemed to generate as much interest as Greyla. Most had never seen a leopard and as an elder god he commanded respect, as did Tajlon.

They reached the capitol and found Kage there to meet them looking a little anxious.

"Greyla, you needn't have taken such a risk," Kage said. " My word, I noticed the resemblance before, but you look exactly like Etaine."

"We are the same physically. How are they treating you and Valorah?"

"There's been some tense moments. Before she left for the planetoid Etaine announced our engagement, which technically puts me in line to be king as soon as we are wed."

Kage paused for a moment and Greyla could sense the sadness elicited by talking about Etaine. He pushed his emotions back and continued.

"As for Valorah, she has thoroughly charmed everyone from the beginning. The adepts have been working to give her the ability to speak. She is recovering from an operation, still on voice rest, but once fully healed she will be able to speak. Since they were instructed to cure her, it was clear that Etaine was interested in her wellbeing. We were never in any danger from the adepts or magi. The population may feel differently."

"Let us speak to the BakoNaat superiors," Greyla said.

Kage called an assembly together and introduced Greyla as his future sister-in-law.

She gave her best imitation of Etaine's smile and spoke in their language.

"Thank you for letting me speak with you, darlings. I come to you in place of my sister while she performs this most difficult task. You see, there was simply no one else to do it. She alone can control the demon, who is part BakoNaat himself. I don't pretend to be able to take Etaine's place, but my friends and I would like to help you through this difficulty. Our elder god, Lord Tajlon Castonea, has some very good news for you. He will speak briefly to you now."

Tajlon addressed the growing and curious crowd of BakoNaat. "We are here in friendship. I know your queen well and can assure you her actions are her own. Queen Etaine went of her own volition. I can also vouch for her sister, Greyla, who has graciously offered to stay here. I have brought a gift from the ancients. Out of consideration for your plight, they have granted a cloning permit for the BakoNaat to regenerate a new royal lineage."

A murmur went through the crowd, followed by a small cheer that soon grew into a loud one. The reception turned warm, and the wine began to flow.

"It appears we've been accepted," Tajlon said nodding and smiling at the throng before him.

A lavish feast was brought to their table and a group of small reptilian servants assembled at Greyla's side, attending to her every need.

"Well, they seem hospitable enough," Tajlon said. "Will you feel safe staying here, Greyla?"

"Yes, I believe so. Hal will be a great help. Kage and Valorah are accepted by the populace. I'll be fine."

Kage gave Hal and Greyla a tour of the city. Tajlon met with the adepts to discuss the new cloning program in detail to make sure they could implement it once he left.

Nova became the center of attention and was treated to a large, padded throne. They pampered him, rubbing his fur with perfumed oils, filing his claws and polishing them smooth, each eager for an excuse to touch his fur and examine the strange new elder among them. When Nova mentioned he was hungry they brought him every delicacy to try. By the end of the stay, he was gorged with meats and fishes of every sort caught fresh in the sea surrounding the capitol.

* * *

Greyla found a moment to pull Kage to the side.

“I hesitate to mention this, but you should know that Sag Leggan tampered with your emotions. He predisposed you to fall in love with Etaine.”

“I have often suspected as much. I’ve never been infatuated so easily. She is beautiful, but difficult for me to truly love under the circumstances.”

“You don’t strike me as her type. Her time with Lotee was more innocent. Etaine has changed a lot since she became involved with the BakoNaat and Bethon.”

“And now this," Kage said. "It’s hard to imagine what she has become.”

"I sense a change in her. It's hard to describe, but she is colder, more vicious and primeval," Greyla cautioned. “Even if Etaine survives. she will never be the same, Kage, Not after dancing with the demon out there."

“I know. I have resigned myself to that fact.”

How are you and Valorah getting along?”

Kage paused and didn’t answer. His face gave away his feelings and Greyla could sense he cared deeply for Valorah.

“I promise you Etaine would understand, Kage. I’m not sure how the BakoNaat would take it, but their culture does allow multiple partners.”

“I must admit we've grown quite fond of one another. My engagement to Etaine is all that's preventing us from having a relationship. I'm certain Bethon had tampered with her emotions. She adored and missed him at first. However, once she realized that she was simply a replacement for Etaine, little more than a bandage for his wounded heart, her affection faded.”

“Follow your heart then. I’ll speak to Lord Anakron. If Valorah is happy here, she could be allowed to stay and live out her mortal life on Erizza.”

“ I would ask Lord Anakron to grant her immortality," Kage said. "Do you think he might allow it?

“I don’t know the answer to that. It depends on how she progresses. Apparently, she was considered to be a docile and little more.”

“What exactly does that mean?”

“A disposable sex toy for an elder. She agreed to contractual servitude for the duration of her youth and fully expects to be used and tossed aside when the term is up. Very few are allowed to ascend to immortality. I believe they receive a sum of money in return to provide for retirement or such.”

“She’s better than that, Greyla. I won’t allow it.”

“Don’t take that attitude with an elder. They might take her from you just to teach you some respect. It’s far better to improve her mind and plead her case.”

“I can’t believe Lord Anakron would partake of such barbaric practices,” Kage said.

“Not normally. He received her and several others in payment for a gambling debt from Baron Gassot who apparently views mortals as currency. Sag Leggan keeps many of them. I’m surprised you didn’t know.”

“I’m shocked the ancients permit it.”

“As long as it is consensual and no harm comes to the subject, apparently they do.”

* * *

Tajlon and Nova finally said their goodbyes and returned to the transport after the festivities died down. Nova was quite inebriated and was carried back to the transport on his throne by a dozen small reptilians. They insisted he take the throne with him as a gift and gave Tajlon several cases of wine.

"A blessing on you, BakoNaat," Nova said climbing lazily to the loading deck as they loaded the throne beside him.

"Looks like you have a new home planet if you should ever want one, Nova," Tajlon said

"Yes. It seems you have found your kindred after all," Widhbo said as they came aboard.

"We do have similar tastes in seafood," Nova said. "You should have seen them, Widhbo. Some of them were actually weeping to see me go."

"Tears of joy?" Widhbo asked.

"I can't recall when I’ve had such a pleasant time. Even the adepts and magi made me feel welcome. It should make you question your attitude toward me, Widhbo," Nova said. "You might be more grateful our paths ever crossed."

"The BakoNaat are a pack of superstitious lizards whose sole redeeming quality is the ability to make fantastic wine out of the swill from this desolate planet," Widhbo remarked. "Why should I care what they think?"