The Mutant World (10 page)

“I…see,” said President Chambers, now knowing where this was going.

“With no previous notions about the sexes to deal with,” continued the empress, “we were able to teach
our
men properly. Believe me, they enjoyed it, and so did
we
. And as for being so powerful as to make them our dogs, Humph! Even an average Bellasarian mutant woman is a match for any human male where strength and durability goes. Given proper training, like
all
Bellasarian children are from an early age, the margin jumps to five human males. But those men out there are NOT human! A female mutant may be powerful, even by mutant standards, but there are always males of her kind who surpass her. I am no exception to this rule. Also, they have the same short tempers and ferocious natures as us. Remember, we are born of the same genetic stock. Only with the male mutant’s
willing
aid can we keep potentially dangerous and ambitious other males in line. We do not behave foolishly, especially now that women no longer outnumber men five hundred to one. If the men truly became dissatisfied and rebelled we could find ourselves in a very bad way. Arrogant and clueless women are even more of a danger to us than men. This has already been proven.”

“It has?” said President Chambers, now
very
interest.

“Yes,” replied the empress. “In the empire there are now kings when once there were only queens. Nearly all of these nations still have a ruling council of elders made up entirely of women who are above a certain age, married and have born children. These women have the power to remove and replace rulers if they should prove incompetent in every kingdom…but not one. The Kingdom of Barratia, or simply ‘Barrat’ as it is also known, is a truly
male
dominated nation. There is
no
female council of elders. Men rule there completely and once women were kept firmly on their knees. This was not
always
the case though, once their land was much as the rest of Bellasaria. However, the women there allowed themselves to be seduced into ways that were appealing at the time, but not in their long term best interest.

Over time, for the men, the situation became worse and worse. Finally, a charismatic leader rose among them that was both powerful and angry enough to overthrow the women. The men then set about the task of making sure that the women there would
never
again have the influence and power they once had and that men would never be ruled by females again. There is even a saying in that barbarous land that is still spoken openly and defiantly to this day when people from other parts of the empire criticize their land’s policies, ‘Better to hold the leash than wear the collar!’ Once women were
very
badly treated there, but that has changed, thanks to former Queen Bellasaris and Lady Gorgo. Recently, we’ve even managed to convince the current ruler of that land to become one with the empire…to an extent. Women are now treated better there, but they still have just begun to hold positions of even minor authority in that country.”

“I’m surprised that Queen Bellasaris didn’t just invade the place and absorb them by force,” said President Chambers. “After all, from what you said it sounds like the women in that land had become slaves to men again and many still are.”

“Yes, that is true,” said the empress seriously. “And yes, some women still are slaves there. But you are forgetting one thing. The women there
started
it all
. They brought it on themselves and more importantly,
our
men know it! Bellasaris was no longer queen by this time,
Empress
Shoko II was, and the Barratians are mighty warriors. It had to be dealt with as delicately as possible. Besides, Bellasaris and Gorgo had other reasons to enter that realm with little attention.” Several of the Bellasarian women giggled at this, much to the curiosity of the Earth women. “Also, the leader of that male rebellion was none other than a son of former High Lord Cato himself! If this was learned, along with the rest at the time, many of
our
men might have risen too and flocked to his banner. This could have been the beginning of the end of everything. Bellasaris didn’t want any of this to spread, and thank the creator, it was resolved…for a while. Now that land is a lesson to the occasional fool who wants to have everything and give nothing as far as the men go,” said the empress, giving Ms. Cain a look. “We are forced to walk a tight line where the Barratians are concerned.”

Cain looked at the empress and other leaders seriously and said, “As you all know, I am a lesbian and a feminist, but I don’t want anyone to get the impression that I’m in any way like
these
people.”

Beral III looked at Ms. Cain for a long moment and then nodded. “I believe you, but we have noticed that many so-called feminist in your society don’t
really
want equality no matter what they claim. They just want a new order that is in their favor. In other words, they simply want to
change places
with the men and have everything stacked just as unfairly, but to
their
benefit. No, that is NOT our way. The way we have learned to
keep
our power for all these centuries is by ruling efficiently
and
fairly!”

The empress was motioning a servant over for more drink when she received a telepathic message. She then looked at Queen Tana and frowned. She sent her mind forth, not wanting the Earthlings to be privy to this conversation.

“King Roc of Barrat has arrived. He is not pleased that he was not invited to this summit. Why is that? I gave word that ALL our kin of such rank be invited. Your land most closely borders his, so I left this to you. I was curious as to why he was not here, but one of your people told me he had declined to come and felt it unnecessary to even send a proxy. But here he IS!”

“Cousin,”
said Tana,
“I did indeed have word sent to King Roc, but…”
Tana turned suddenly and gave one of the nobles from her land a look. The woman made a sour face and could not meet her eyes.
“You told me that the Barratians politely declined the summons on the grounds that they were a minor and unimportant people from a semi-independent nation!”
The woman frowned, but said nothing.

“Obviously this was NOT King Roc’s opinion, but your vassal’s,”
said Empress Beral acidly.
“I hold YOU responsible. You should have known this was a lie. The Barratians are too proud to have said such a thing! Besides…this fool is your vassal!”

“Empress,” stammered the woman desperately, “Queen Tana, these men are beneath you. They are beneath us! Their very society is against everything we stand for! I…I was afraid there would be trouble if those animals were allowed to be present at this important event.”

“On the contrary, fool! There could be trouble NOW because of your stupidity!”
mentally hissed the empress.
“You don’t even have the brains to keep your big mouth shut and use telepathy! Do you really think I want the Earth people to know everything about our internal issues, bitch?!”
The woman turned red and glanced around at President Chambers and the others. If they were not sure of some drama being discussed mentally among the Bellasarians before they were now. Beral and Tana could only shake their heads in disgust.
“Have that woman removed from my sight! I’ll have to fix this situation!”

Queen Tana nodded and looked at her vassal.
“Get your ass up and leave! I’ll deal with you later!”
The woman stood and woodenly left the gathering. The atmosphere had now changed in the room. Most of the Bellasarian women, both of the empire and the Akkadian Republic looked serious. The Earthlings were looking around anxiously.

“Friends,” said Beral III verbally, “Queen Tana and I must meet a late arrival. Due to an unforgivable slight, he did not receive his invitation. Please continue without us for a bit.” With that the empress and the forest ruler left.

“Was it wise to tell the Earthlings that?” asked Queen Tana.

“It was obvious that something of a male related issue had occurred, thanks to
your
subordinate,” said the empress. “King Roc has brought his youngest son with him, so the plan is once again on. Send word to my daughter, Princess Bellasaris. She is visiting our domains to the far south. Bring her here! The Barratians must be firmly brought into the empire
completely
. Bella loves a challenge, and besides, she wanted the boy. I understand he’s
very
handsome,
and
more importantly,
very
strong. I was hoping she would bind him at the feast, but thanks to your vassal he wasn’t there. The Barratians will be tricky to handle now because of that miserable cow!”

“I’m very sorry, Cousin,” said Tana sadly. But then she smiled. “But you did say Bella likes a challenge though.”

Beral III grinned as well after a moment. “Yes, yes she does,” she said.

******

King Roc and his party stood in the main courtyard of the palace awaiting Empress Beral III in irritation. Prince Pantherus growled with impatience. The High Lord was leaving the dining hall where the men had gathered for a little male bonding. Although with his metabolism he couldn’t get drunk, at least not easily, all that Bellasarian booze certainly was building up and needed to be let out. Then he spied Barrat and his people.

“Cousin?!” cried Lord Talos warmly. “So, you decided to come after all!”

King Roc looked at the High Lord with a quizzical expression on his face. “Decided to come?” he said. “I was never told of this summit to begin with! I learned of it by other means. And do you think I would miss the first meeting with leaders from the homeworld in two thousand years?”

“I don’t understand,” said Talos, now equally puzzled. “We were informed that you said…”

Just then Empress Beral III and Queen Tana were announced and hurried into the courtyard to greet the newcomers. “Kinsman,” said Beral III breathlessly, “I deeply regret what has happened. Be assured that this was not intentional on my part.”

“What was unintentional?” said Talos, now becoming irritable.

“Well, it seems you really
don’t
know anything about it, Cousin,” said King Roc. “What she means is why I wasn’t told about this historic meeting when every queen and king shackled to a woman’s leash was invited!”

“What?” said Talos, confused. “But we were informed-”

“Misinformed, my lord!” snapped Beral quickly. “King Roc, we are kin. You know me. Did we not become as siblings when last you were here? I tell you this was not my doing or Queen Tana’s.”

Queen Tana looked King Roc squarely in the eyes and said, “The word was sent, but the person in charge of the delivery chose to do as she felt, not as what she was told. As you know, there are those who don’t like your people’s ways. I promise you, she
will
be punished!”

The Barratian King looked at both women for a long moment and then spoke, “My mate, Lady Ayala.”

The woman bowed her head and spoke. “I am honored to be here, Empress Beral.”

“My son, Prince Pantherus,” said King Roc, now introducing his son.

The surly youth nodded, but did not bow or speak. Beral looked at the boy in amusement. She had to admit, from ‘Bellasaris the Great’ to the present, the women of her house had always been attracted to such men. To them they were like wild stallions, admired for their beauty, strength and spirit and just as enjoyable to ride. This one was already marked by her daughter and she could see why. The boy was feral through and through. He was of the same size with her youngest son, Prince Tabba and he had those same feline eyes. This little cub and his sire both had the look of “The Great Cat” much more than her husband, son or even her for that matter. Behind the royal family one of their retainers proudly carried their people’s standard. The Barratian banner at once spoke of its rulers’ lineage, history and character. Beral looked at it with feelings of both pride and sadness. It was of a snarling, clawing Black Panther with a collar, but broken chain around its neck.

“How old are you, my lord?” asked Beral looking again at Prince Pantherus, smiling.

“Fourteen, Empress,” replied Pantherus slowly.

Beral very slowly, as not to startle the boy and possibly receive an injury, reached up and touched his face. “It’s alright, you’re family.” The youth, despite himself, smiled and blushed.
Just like I said earlier,
thought the empress.
Young males always respond well to kindness and gentle females.
Turning again to his father she said, “Come kinsman, let’s get you and your people settled into your accommodations. You too handsome,” she said, giving the young prince a wink. The boy’s mouth split into a grin, but just as quickly he closed his mouth and looked apologetically at the empress who giggled. She knew this was a genuine grin of humor, despite the fearsome teeth. The boy didn’t mean to threaten her. But in his country, showing one’s teeth to people unfamiliar to you would be seen correctly as a warning or threat and would be wisely heeded. “It’s alright, prince, I well know the difference between a smile and a threat. Now please, come along. You must be tired.”