Doors to Thuel's office opened once more this time letting in the Powell twins who towed Bram. Patricia and Anna saluted to the gathered admirals and spoke to Thuel directly.

"My Lord, We have preliminary Cion DNA results. We think Bram and Niora should learn what we found."

Thuel nodded in agreement. He pointed to the conference table with one hand and with the second a smaller but more comfortable table with comfortable armchairs and couches next to the fireplace on the other side of the office.

"Should we take a seat?"

"Certainly."

On this smaller table were coffee and tea cups, along with two large heated flasks and a large plate of cakes so choice was obvious for overworked twins. They sat on one sofa with Bram between them, Johan picked one of the armchairs and Thuel found himself sitting with Niora and Elisabeth on the second sofa. After helping themselves with coffee and cookies and urging Cions to do the same they started looking at Niora and Murrnal.

"When we discovered you, we found many strange data. In your norms of behaviour, religion, laws and finally in DNA."

Murrnal Bram was surprised:

"But we are alien species so differences should be expected."

Patricia broke the awkward silence by speaking very slowly.

"No, Mr Bram. That are not differences which worries us but similarities that are so concerning."

Niora suddenly felt unease and unwittingly grabbed Elisabeth's hand. Patricia continued.

"Ensign Daniel Kwiatkowski is a very good historian and engineer. It was he who first found similarities in your laws, customs and religion. He is now basically dissecting your ships and digging out all technology and searching for its origins. He however found on board every single ship so far, a similar plaque with engraved letters that are not Cionian."

Niora and Bram nodded and Murrnal responded:

"I know what you are talking about. We put it always on our ships. That's ancient traditions we still try to cultivate. But no one knows what's written there."

Anna delicately caught his hand as if worried he might need that.

"Are you sure?" she asked and displayed their picture of the said plaque. Bram at first wanted to laugh her off but when he just glanced at it he paled.

"What is the meaning of it? Why I can read it now? Is that working of implants you gave us?"

"Yes. Niora? Read it and tell us what you learnt from implants." Patricia nodded.

Niora swallowed and read slowly. She felt cold sweat on her back. Now she was unconsciously holding Elisabeth and Thuel's hands.

"Ademptum domum et ad astra mittitur. Sanguis noster bestiae sanguine mixtus. De diversis filiis terrae electi sumus, et Deos nostros sicut fortes custodiemus. That means 'Taken from home and thrown to the stars. Our blood mixed with the blood of the beasts. We have been chosen from among the various children of the earth, and as mighty warriors, we will guard our Gods.' that's Latin. One of the languages of ancient Terra! How this is possible?"

Johan looked at Thuel who was concerned about his subordinates.

Anna gave them a brief while and continued:

"We can take that inscription literally. Some aliens took some humans and animals from the earth and then tried to create combat hybrids. Cions have similar features to Terra's big cats. We took your DNA apart and checked every single marker and binding. We are now completely sure that the Cion have their roots on Earth in the Sol system. However, we found also traces of absolutely alien material. It's however similar to some parts of Potatoes DNA we obtained from bodies from our last encounter. That gave us a vague idea that some advanced alien race created you and potatoes maybe more new races. Yes, new races. Differences in DNA are distinctive enough that Cions can be described as a different race but still close enough to be compatible with Humans. That's why Terran implants worked flawlessly in your bodies. That was a test to check if any will be rejected. In the case of Fa'enni, we needed half year to develop new implants to fully match them and work."

Niora and Bram were shocked but overall happy. Elisabeth gently stroked Niora's hand but that was not the response they expected. Niora looked straight into Thuel eyes with her big cute cat eyes.

"So this means my Lord we are now more than citizens of the Commonwealth only by your grace. We are distant cousins of Humanity and share genetic history with you!"

Thuel was happy it turned this way. All anxiety and tension left Niora and Murrnal. He patted her head but surprised by her purr of pleasure he almost stopped. He patted her for a while and responded.

"Indeed. We will have to find what had to be called your homeworld and the race who did this to you. But you are free people now. I know I have taken your oath of allegiance but you have a choice- you can become free citizens of the Commonwealth and self-governing yourself or stay as subjects of Fa'enni Prince."

Murrnal Bram responded without the shade of doubt:

"All who thought differently left my people in the Kumlan system where you found us. They betrayed our traditions and what's worse they nearly destroyed our chance for safety. I know you would allow all Cions to leave back then. Not out of malice or ill will but because of your and the Commonwealth's conviction that we should be free. Most of us will follow you, my Lord. I and Niora are just the beginning of those who are absolutely loyal to You. I will follow you not only because of my oath but because of who you are my King. I would follow a brave, intelligent, strong and born leader like you but you are much more. A wise, righteous, and good Prince will lead Cions to prosperity. We will learn from you and when the day comes when you will be called by your kin to return as their King we will be able to govern ourselves. We will serve you, my Lord."

Niora looked at her Father and added at first mocking Thuel's previous words but with full conviction and honesty:

"I will follow you my Lord until you find usage for me as you promised not so long ago. And I can't allow Lady Elisabeth to be this overworked so maybe I can take her tasks as your adjutant my Lord. You all have saved us from the unknown but for sure grim fates and all Cions are more than grateful."

Thuel nodded. That maybe is not the worst idea they had.

"So be it then. I will govern and prepare you for self-governing by time ill be called as new Fa'enni King. But personally, I don't expect this to happen any time soon- my parents are young and their rule is guaranteed for the next centuries. Maybe my child will be called for that duty. But that's a thing of the future to come and we have still present times to spend. So are we in agreement that Cions are distant genetic cousins of humanity and they deserve their rightful place among Commonwealth nations?"

Ra'volta, Freya and Thor- an old friend of Johan and now AI of his new Ra'volta class dreadnought, materialised in the room. This will be an official statement that will shape the future of Cions. Murrnal Bram as formal leader of all Cions exhaled and spoke officially.

"We Cions agree with all your discoveries in light of all new knowledge, all research and science. We are happy and most proud of our genetic heritage and We are accepting with gratitude your offer to join the great nations of the Terran Commonwealth, Greatest Nation thet ever spanned stars as your equall member. However, Cions knew only fear as long as we remember and that's why we will stand by our oath. We will be serving Prince Thuel Raven as loyal subjects until we learn how truly to be free."

Fryea as the oldest of AI spoke:

"I was a witness of your vow and I have seen your resolve. I will bring your will to Makeana where it will be remembered forever. As long as Cions will work for a better tomorrow and well being of Terran Commonwealth and its citizens we Makeanians will aid your struggles as your friends."

Ra'volta and Thor's holograms hit their chests where their hearts should be with their right hands. Thuel stands up.

"I Thuel Uriel Raven Crow Prince of Fa'enni Kingdom and Inheritor of ancient and Noble House of Raven promise to take care of Cions. I who bore the blood of mighty Humans and wise Fa'enni alike accept your pleas and will. I will lead you as my subjects and guide you until you will be ready."

They spent two more hours speaking about preparing Cions for installing implants and their overall condition. They decided to get out and check on Cions directly. They left the government building where mostly worked Navy personnel drawn from dreadnoughts.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Just when they exited the building they received a call from Commander Li Yu Tian.

"Lord Thuel? It would be good if you met me at the general assembly. Some Cions are disturbed by the sudden disappearance of Murrnal Bram and Niora For'rtiassa. Well much more Murrnal Bram than Niora For'rtiassa since most of them assumed she is constantly accompanying you."

"We are currently on our way there. Tell them I wish to speak with them and will respond to as many questions as possible."

"Yes Sir!"

Yu Tian was in charge of preparing education facilities for Cions. Since they will be spending the next at least a decade learning, She had a very important job. Thuel was deep in thought and was preparing orders for the fleet when he bumped into something.

He looked down with unseeing eyes and very slowly regained his focus. That was Johan's hand that stopped him as always when he spaced out too much. He looked down and saw Cion's child looking in total awe at him holding a simple football ball at his hands... or paws? Thuel was still not sure what Cions calls their body parts. But no matter what they think about it he will use his superior power for one thing that will never get him bored.

He smiled, kneeled down on one knee and patted the little boy's head. Patting Cions on heads was somehow absolutely fantastic.

"Hello, young one. I'm sorry I have scared you."

Boy was happy that the great Lord of Cions was patting him and was sure no one will believe him. He replayed defiantly:

"I'm not scared, my Lord. I was just surprised you graced us with your presence. My Mother told me you were very busy protecting us with your mighty ships my Lord."

"You have a very wise Mother. Indeed even now I am busy with ordering the fleet of Commonwealth in our system to prepare our defences and make sure no enemy could surprise us."

Boy's eyes were round from awe and genuine interest. At first glance, you could say he loved spaceships despite living his entire life in the confinement of one. His eyes were sparkling with joy. Thuel saw two Cions standing nearby with worried faces, most probably the boy's parents. Boy like all children was happy to find someone to talk to and promised to Thuel.

"I promise you my Lord when I grow up I will join Common... Comno... Commonwealth." He was proud of spelling such hard words in a foreign language.

"You don't have to join Commonwealth. You are already a Commonwealth citizen. So be proud and live a happy life. You are safe now as we will never abandon you as long as Cions remain loyal." Thuel smiled to him once again.

Boy was visibly happy but you already could tell some new thing was on his mind.

"So when I grow up I could join Commonwealth Navy and fight Jarta-vuri on your invincible ships!?"

"Hahaha, yes Indeed. Soon you will go to school and if you learn well then you will be able to join the Navy."

Thuel nodded to the boy's parents and stand up. Murrnal was looking at him with absolute respect and happiness while Niora and Elisabeth smiled to themselves with very similar smug faces. After a brief while they entered the general assembly. It was a one-story building with a giant hall that could accommodate ten thousand people. It was intended for various events such as concerts, meetings with residents or speeches.

Li Yu Tian was already waiting for them at the entrance.

"My Lord. Admirals. It's good you all are here. Many Cions started getting anxious about the future. I hope you extinguish this fire personally Lord Thuel."

"If that's our only problem then I'm relieved. Let's go."

They entered the stage and saw the audience packed with adult Cions. Some of them were standing nearby and had prepared pieces of paper most probably with questions prepared early. Li Yu Tian was a master of planning since that clearly was her idea and Thuel less and less doubted Johan's report about her. She will make plans for the demise of her enemies, which they will follow when presented with a copy.

They really looked scared and anxious but showed only gratitude and respect. All of the Thuel's companions sat in places behind him prepared by Yu Tian and she took her place near Cions with prepared questions.

"Welcome. In the last few days, many things have changed in your lives. You all obeyed our requests and answered mamy our questions. You have rested a bit and now you have plenty of questions. It will be only fair if now we address what bothers you. However, it will take some time to answer all questions you probably have and I already have to apologize that we couldn't have enought time to adress them all today. So please everyone take a seat and we will answer as much as possible."

After this, he sat in the armchair and nodded to Commander Li and she after a brief while gave a signal to first Cion. Short by Human standards 170cm Cion man looking like a bipedal Tiger asked with a very pleasant voice.

"We are thankful you showed personally My Lord despite many duties you have. We are also happy to see Admiral Murrnal Bram and Comandor Niora For'rtiassa once again. Maybe it's not a question that needs to be answered when they returned but nonetheless where they have been for the past five days?"

"Let's ask them then. Niora could you tell your kin where have you been?"

A little surprised Niora responded with a calm voice.

"Five days ago I and my Father overheard our Lord saying to himself "I will need more personell" while we didn't know why and for what we offered to provide as many workers he will need. However, we were absolutely not prepared for what happened next. Two Marines escorted us on board Wrath where we were changed. Vrikk Sur im no longer weak Niora you knew 5 days ago. Right here and now only Cion that can beat me is my Father. Only wiser Cion than me is my Father. We were enhanced by Terran technology as miraculous as one that brought back my father's youth once again."

Vrikk Sur looked at her amazed but with scepticism. Thuel giggled and told him.

"Come closer. Don't worry as I can't blame you for your disbelief. You are a strong and big Cion warrior. You weigh 80kg but Niora while taller than you is just a shade of what you weigh."

Comicly almost half of the audience nodded in unison. Thuel continued barely holding laughter.

"Niora can you lift him?"

Vrikk Sur smiled and came closer to Niora who lifted him with one hand like he was weighing nothing. Surprised voices rolled over the assembly. Thuel continued explaining but before that, he gestured to let Vrikk down.

"I accepted their help offer but before they could be able to really help they needed to be enhanced. They now have military-grade implants that changed them to be more like we Humans and Fa'enni are. They are faster, stronger, more intelligent and they will live much much longer than you could think possible."

Assembly erupted with hushed conversations. But after a brief while it stopped. Vrikk Sur smiled to Niora.

"I suspected that one day you would beat me if you would follow the strongest, but I would never expect to be beaten this shamelessly."

He deeply bowed to her and that meant she was recognized not only as a warrior but also as the connection between Cions and Lord Thuel. Lord Thuel was strongest and Niora belonged to him- that was one of the most basic rules of Cions. Niora would never pick any weaker male while serving such a mighty Lord. Yu Tian looked at Vrikk who suddenly returned to his prepared questions.

The first sin against Commandor Li Yu Tian is changing plans and Vrikk for sure is not suicidal. He asked a very short but very complicated question after returning to his place.

"What will happen to us now?"

The sudden silence in the room was so thick that you could hear hair hitting flor. But Thuel was ready for it the moment he got outside his office.

"In a few hours, Raven Rock will enter the Tiamant system bringing here Queen Shanti and King Konrad of Fa'enni Kingdom, official representatives of the Terran Commonwealth. They are my parents. I will ask them for accepting your pleas of fealty. But You are right now my subjects and by your vow citizens of the Terran Commonwealth. Your future is safe and bright."

He almost felt their relief. They still were afraid they will be again left alone between the stars running once again from the unseen enemy. Vrikk bowed to Lord Thuel and sat down. In his place entered a young female with the facial features of a jaguar.

"How we could be useful? We don't want to leech on anyone's goodwill. We want to earn our living." She asked.

"In a few weeks, we will start teaching you. But before that, there will be an extensive basic implant program that needs to be completed before we can start educational programs. Our education is far more advanced and complex than you can imagine."

Many Cions started whispering to each other again but as far as Thuel could tell they all looked thrilled and excited. That's a good sign.

"And last question my Lord. What will happen with our Navy and Ships?"

"Your ships will be used as museums and memorials of your perilous past. They will have data cores installed with all known history of your race. As for your Navy, it no longer exists. During your education programs, we start forming it anew and after you finish your education period we should have a ready fighting force. But as I mentioned earlier the Tiamant System is my personal fiefdom and one of the ancient worlds of Fa'enni, which has been placed under my protection and will be your new home as long as you remain in my service. You also don't have to worry that someone will expel you from here - the Commonwealth has plenty of uninhabited planets, and our sector borders uncharted stars."

The anxiety of Cions disappeared and Thuel was ready for more questions. However, He was absolutely stunned to hear that was it. Two more Cions held lists of questions in case they will have to leave Commonwealth territories. But since they were not only allowed to stay but were promised to become citizens of the Commonwealth all other questions can wait or will be answered during the promised education period.

Li Yu Tian sent Thuel a note with all questions prepared by Cions if ever he wanted to know them. When most of Cions left the assembly a small representation approached Murrnal Bram and briefly spoke with him. He looked pleased with what he heard. Bram approached Thuel with two though-looking Cions- one of them looked more like a muscular human while the other was looking more like a lion but much smaller than Bram and with normal coloured fur. They both kneeled in a Cion warrior manner and waited.

"My Lord. These two represent warrior clans Turr and Vsish. I heard their humble request and I hope you can help them."

Thuel nodded them. He was here as their Prince but he was a bit tired of this constant kneeling and couldn't wait to return to his ship where the only sign of his position was rarely used in form of his title of Prince or Lord instead of Admiral. He understood that such kneeling was part of Cion culture but decided to take some measures to limit this only to most official situations unless Murrnal Bram will convince him otherwise. He nodded them and waited.

"My Lord. Our clans were warriors since we remember but when we saw your Majesty's marines we know how outclassed we are. Thus we beg for your allowance to train with them. We want to learn how..."

"Bram?" Thuel raised his hand and interrupted him.

"They are loyal to you my Lord, more than me." Theul raised his brew. More loyal than him? Unbelievable.

"How many?"

"One hundred and fifty Turr and two hundred and fifty Vsish my Lord."

Both warriors watched as Thuel smirked.

"See you in two weeks boys. MEDICS!"