Time to check in with the Feline Empire!

It’s nice to see a little more of Daisuke and Catrina as they were pushed to the background during the last mission.

 
Slight cursing

Kadlin's lab was covered in beakers and chemicals, hormones and essences taken from all manner of creatures. Magical symbols were drawn all over, and ritual components were ready to hold arcane forces in check. The air smelled of blood, chemicals, and ozone.

Kadlin stood talking to her scientific and magical assistants, preparing them for the day's work.

Catrina growled as she entered the lab. "When I send for you I do not want to receive a note telling me politely 'no.'"

Kadlin smiled falsely. "I simply interpreted your orders. Had I followed them, my presence would have been wasted coming all the way to your chambers. I sent you a message with my insights into what Konall is up to. I saw that while your message ordered my presence there, I knew I would serve your interests best in this laboratory, continuing my experiments. You usually take so long to finish your affairs before you will permit me to enter, and I end up sitting in the waiting room for quite some time. It's a waste of my time, which I could use to serve you in other areas."

Catrina smirked. "Well, next time come on in, I'm sure Daisuke will love a witness to our... affairs, as you put it." The smirk disappeared. "But come none the less."

"Nevertheless, I had important experiments I needed to stabilize. You got my report. Konall's going to attempt a reckless defense against an overwhelming penguin force to save some worthless outpost and prove to himself he's the most macho person in existence. He's got even odds of succeeding. What more do you need?"

Catrina growled. "Your brain- a pity it has to be attached to your tongue to be of any use. I wanted more than your ideas and your orders. I wanted your opinions as we planned to take care of your brother. You are, after all, the most alike to him we have. He's a son of a bitch- and you are just plain bitch."

A wave of magical energy subtly coursed through the glyphs on the ground, causing minor sparks and small glowing. "He's gotten himself into a big mess. If you want to eliminate him, wait for him to fight things out with the penguins. Aid the losing side until they beat themselves into mutual destruction. Then swoop in and pick up the pieces. I would have thought that was obvious."

Catrina got closer, fangs bared her fur bristling both from magical energy and the fact that she was so pissed. "Perhaps I was hoping to show that you are part of this Empire. Perhaps I was trying to give you a chance to make your opinions heard in the planning of our attack. And perhaps..."

Daisuke stepped between the two women before things went any further. "Whoa, whoa whoa! Okay- everyone's had their say now let's back off and cool down!" He then let his arm wrap around the white lioness. "Besides- I got a feeling I know where alot of this energy's coming from."

Catrina growled one last time at Kadlin, then smiled at the big lion. "You always say that."

Daisuke nodded and grinned. "You never say 'No.'"

Kadlin nodded. "I'm sorry. I've aligned myself with this laboratory. My magic responds to my emotions more easily here. It tries to carry out my subconscious desires without my permission."

Daisuke nodded. "All the more reason to get away from it when you are called to talk. Now, if you'll excuse us. The Queen is due for an... affair. " He smirked as he led her out, tails entwined.

Kadlin wanted to get in one last word before they left. "Thank you for having this open discussion with me. It shows great trust. I would have expected you to mistrust me, to be afraid I'd abandon you as well if you kept pushing me, knowing that you can't afford a second rebellion right now, especially from your current most valuable commander. Yet you show great faith in my loyalty, more than even I have in my own loyalty. I really appreciate that." Her tone as she delivered that last line indicated that she didn't appreciate the way she was being treated at all. "Now, the next experiment will be releasing some dangerous energies. I'm going to have to seal off the lab for everyone's safety. Have a nice... discussion with Daisuke." Kadlin slammed and barred the door behind them. That should ruin the rest of Catrina's day.

Catrina growled low at her mate as they proceeded down the hallway. "I should have Cattaras have a nice, long... discussion with her ass!"

"That would only be rewarding her." Came the chuckled reply. Besides Cattaras stood Becky Joy herself. Becky frowned.

Becky asked, "Does that mean Miss Kadlin doesn't wanna come with us down to visit our former buddies at the outpost? What're we doing there, again?"

Catrina smiled and bend, so that her face was on the level with Becky's. Cattaras's eyebrows arched as he saw her tail, straight up in the air- and where Daisuke's paw went to- but Catrina was busy with the little ice mage. "I have an idea to help our friends. Go find a band of penguins down near the outpost and help them help our friends test their defenses."

"Oh wow! We are so nice!" Becky bounced off to start planning, leaving just the three Felines as Becky vanishes down the hall and around the corner. She sounded as if she believed what she was saying.

Cattaras slid up to Daisuke. "Who am I rewarding?"

"Kadlin."

"Oh... nice reward for me then." The big tiger smirked.

Daisuke laughed. "Yeah- I'd do her but your sis keeps me too busy."

"Uh huh- I've heard." Cattaras smirked.

Catrina left the two men to discuss what they'd do with the mage and went to the lair of the Jester King of the Beasts. With only a mild trepidation she entered.

Not letting him speak, she growled. "I want you to go down to this outpost- and give it your own special touch, if you know what I mean."

Jester King hid a toy pony behind his back, looking nervously at her. "Wait, just go down there and enjoy myself in the most destructive manner possible? What's the catch? Am I going to be burned as a traitor after this?"

"Only if you screw this up." she growled.

"And I can take anyone I need along with?" Without waiting for her to answer, Jester King smiled a sinister smile, sliding the object into his pocket. "Anything you want, my queen."

Ah, that whacky, psychotic Jester King! Although seeing Becky, Daisuke and Cattaras was nice, it was the conflict here that really drove this one. I love the contrast between Queen Catrina’s redhot temper and Kadlin’s cold, subtle replies and threats. Next up, we’re going to jump back before the Rollover one last time to see Dash and Cyber Sunset returning to the dimension in a rather unexpected manner.