"Stone should probably go with you Cyprian. He's our best bet identifying if the Jurou Biljana have another one of those chemical weapons. We don't want that vessel taking off again if it’s carrying that poison." Dagaa said as he looked around for the hairy Toufik warrior.
Dagaa shivered as he recalled all the dead people they'd found after Vigdis had murdered the entire city of Nazario using the chemical weapon the tyrant bought from the Jurou Biljana. The silent killer they called Empty Death came from the dying Toufik home world.
"Well I better go hunt down my hairy friend." Cyprian replied.
"I think I saw him waiting to greet the Toufik that will be liberated, on the other side of the auction tent." Madhava told Cyprian.
"Things have been going well." Dagaa commented as he gestured toward the unified Cadi.
"Yeah but I think people are nervous about Kagan's insistence to free the Toufik."
"It's only right." Dagaa added.
"I agree, we've become too dependent on their service, but people don't know how they'll manage."
"I think it’s the unknown that freaks most people out. But it's not like the Toufik will be doing nothing. They will need to make a living like anyone else. We already feed and house the Toufik. The only thing that will really change is the fact that they will now have the free will to choose."
"Kagan will need to be patient. The unification is a lot to handle, but freeing the Toufik will be an added stress. I'm just concerned there will be rebellion on both sides. As it is, there are groups stirring up trouble." Madhava shook his head.
"I know, I saw the looks on some of the warriors' faces. Add to that Kagan's plans to attract allies from off world, and it's a lot of changes to take in. Believe me, I worry that it's too much too fast. But I think overall the people support Kagan." Dagaa sympathized with Madhava's concern. Neither of them wanted to see an end to peace so soon.
"These are good problems to have. Kagan at least gives a shit. You know how long I put up with a selfish asshole. I much prefer this." Madhava cast Dagaa a rare smile. "Sadly I think it took the war to show people how awful things could be, so they might appreciate and fight for something better for their young."
"Agreed." Dagaa nodded.
Dagaa thought back on all the conversations he had with his childhood friend, Kagan. The warrior truly did have Cadi's best interest at heart. Long ago Dagaa had promised the male he would have his back through thick and thin. He'd given up a lot to follow his friend, the true Daimio of Cadi. Dagaa didn't regret the sacrifices he'd made, not after seeing how far his people had come.
The game may have changed from war to politics, but not the friendship. Though lately much of Kagan's attention had turned towards Giselle and the boy, Sabin, he'd adopted. Between family and business, Dagaa's friend didn't have that much free time anymore. Dagaa didn't begrudge his friend though, not one bit.
Dagaa had found himself spending more and more time with Madhava. The grim warrior was proving to be a truly good male. He worked hard and would do whatever it took to get the job done without complaint, adding intelligent insight. The way they got along, the male felt almost like a long-lost brother. Though Madhava did worry Dagaa on occasion. Madhava didn't talk much about his past. Occasionally bits and pieces would slip. Those depressing small snippets made the things Dagga experienced in life seem like child's play.
An explosion of fire rocked the far corner of the market and Dagaa snapped out of his reverie.
"That's our cue."
"Game on." Dagaa borrowed one of Giselle's phrases. He grinned as he rushed towards the ship he'd singled out. Warriors assigned to him poured out from every direction.
Madhava shook his head as he too jumped into the action with his own warriors in tow.
It didn't take long to subdue the Jurou Biljana. The Cadi had taken them entirely by surprise with only a few minor casualties.
Dagaa wandered through the Jurou Biljana ship surveying the goods that were in the hold. He entered the bay where the Toufik had been secured and peered into each cell to assure that none of the hairy occupants remained. He passed a small cell then paused and backed up.
There was something huddled in the far corner. Dagaa unlocked the door and hesitantly approached the tiny creature.
In a flurry of motion the creature propelled itself at him with a high-pitched scream. Flame red hair flew as small fists, nails and blunt teeth assailed him.
Dagaa gripped the creature by the arms and pried it off of him. A little foot flew out striking him in the stomach making Dagaa grunt. The little thing howled in pain as its foot struck his muscular flesh.
Dagaa held the creature away from him and took a good look at it. He smiled as he recognized the tiny thing that he'd found. Pale skin, pert little nose, full breasts and broad hips. Human, she was a human. Except her hair wasn't golden like Giselle's it was red like his skin.