Chapter 27
Misty
“So, who is this guy again?” Misty asked, unrolling the curlers in her hair as Tsok watched from where he was seated on her sofa.
He alternated between giving her a happy, contented grin and glaring at The General. Her cat was sitting on the side table, glaring back at Tsok – locked in, hard and unblinking. He no longer went full floof around him, so she considered it progress, but it was clear that The General did not appreciate the presence of another, bigger cat. If he hadn’t had his nads cut off, she had no doubt that he’d be going around spraying everything.
She wasn’t entirely sure that Tsok wouldn’t start doing that himself. He was clearly not above playing dominance games with a house cat. Which was hilarious so long as the two weren’t actively scratching and clawing at each other.
“The High Imperium is the leader of the Coalition,” Tsok said simply.
“The leader of the universe, in other words.”
“There are more species than just those that belong to the Coalition, so it would be inaccurate to say that they are the universe’s leader.”
“Are there any groups as big as the Coalition?”
“No. I believe there are some species that band together as allies, but nothing on the scale of the Coalition.”
“Right. So, he’s the leader of the universe.” She made a face as she ran her fingers through her newly freed curls, breaking them up a bit. “No pressure, I guess.”
“The High Imperium is not a he.”
“Oh, shit. They’re a girl? Hell yeah. Girl power.”
Tsok chuckled. “The High Imperium is genderless, as far as anyone knows.”
“Right on.” Misty turned from her vanity. “But as far as anyone knows? What does that mean?”
“You will see.”
That was a cryptic response, but she got her answer very soon. Once she finished dressing – she chose black and pink robes in the kreecharma style for the occasion – they went down to the landing pad behind the Glass Manor – as the High Imperium would be staying there for his – their – visit.
The shuttle they came down in was pretty standard, which surprised her. She expected some big hoopla with a big fancy ship and tons of guards. Something worthy of the King of Space. Queen of Space? Non-binary Baddie of Space? What was the proper title here?
There were no crowds, no reporters, no VIPs lingering for handshakes and photo ops. Just the single shuttle that came down from above, Tsok, Davard, Misty herself, and no one else. A very simple landing party for the Emperor-ess of Space.
Then, the door to the shuttle opened and out walked… glided… floated…
What the fuck was that?
The person – she assumed it was a person – that emerged from the shuttle was completely hidden to her eyes. Their entire body was covered, head to toe, eyes included, with a long, black drape. It was completely opaque, giving not a single hint to anything, even something basic like if they picked up their feet to walk. Over that, like a blanket draped over their head as a veil, was a large, beautiful head covering. It was blue, trimmed in gold, and depicted scenes of a ringworld spinning and thriving around a bright sun like it were a tapestry. It didn't jostle at all as whoever they were came down. They didn't bounce or stutter or give any indication at all that they were moving their body.
In fact, there was nothing about this person that would identify them in any shape or form. They were tall, the top of their head over a foot taller than Tsok. What she assumed was their head. It was a peak like a head, but she didn't see anything that would indicate there were shoulders there. Maybe they were sitting on a floating stool like in her salon and were actually very short. She had no way of knowing. They didn't make footsteps on the ground, or leave a slime trail. She heard the cloth moving against the stone, but nothing else.
Over their shoulder, like a glowing, flitting hummingbird, was a yellow and green combot.
“Your excellency,” Tsok greeted formally, lowering his head to this… person.
Misty was quick to follow suit. Excellency was such a great name. There was a lot of gravitas in that – and it suited the imposing, faceless, silent figure that stopped in front of them.
“ Char Tsok. It is an honor to meet you again, ” the High Imperium said.
Or, to be more accurate, the High Imperium’s combot said. The device bobbed as it spoke, the voice it used completely gender neutral and obviously robotic. Like it had been specifically designed to not sound like a living person.
No, it had , she realized coming up straight. The High Imperium was actively hiding everything about themself. Like they didn't want anyone to know anything, even the sound of their voice.
“ May I congratulate you on finding your mate, ” the Imperium continued, and though they hadn’t moved at all, Misty had the distinct impression that they were looking at her.
“Thank you,” Tsok stood straight as well. “This is my female, Misty of Earth. Misty, it is my honor to present you to their excellency, the High Imperium.”
No name. Just a title. Weird. Very secretive. What were they hiding under there?
“It’s nice to meet you,” she said, floundering for something better to say. She suddenly had the ridiculous urge to curtsy or bow again or something.
“My aid Davard has prepared your living quarters exactly to your specifications,” Tsok said, gesturing to the male in question. “If you need anything at all, I beg you tell him.”
“ I shall, thank you. Have you prepared the meeting amongst the other leaders of your people? ”
“Yes, your excellency. They’re all prepared to hear your words tomorrow, after giving you time to settle in.”
“ Excellent. I shall try not to impose on you too long. ”
“You are more than welcome to stay as long as you like.”
This guy – person – sounded way too humble for Big Kahuna of the Universe, Misty thought as Tsok gestured for the High Imperium to walk with them, following Davard inside so he could show them to their room. When the Grand Poobah of All Existence went somewhere, she would have expected it to occur with a lot of pomp and circumstance, maybe some confetti, definitely a band, likely a parade to walk him from his landing site to his room.
But no. Just their little welcoming party and a tour around Glass Manor as Tsok showed off what was, admittedly, a very beautiful and important home to a much more important being.
“ This is truly a marvelous manor, ” the High Imperium said as they took them, at last, to the door leading into their room. “ Thank you for allowing me to stay. ”
“It is my honor,” Tsok lowered his head to them again. “Feel free to make yourself at home.”
“ I shall indeed. ” The Imperium turned, facing them. “ Will you be at the meeting tomorrow, Misty? ”
“Huh? Who me?” She started at being so suddenly addressed. She thought she was just here to be the honored char’s arm candy.
“ I would appreciate it if you came. ”
“Er…” She looked at Tsok, unsure what to say.
Tsok also looked confused. “Is there any particular reason she needs to be there, your excellency?”
“ Well, what I want to talk about does involve her. I feel it would be rude if she weren’t allowed to be there to at least hear. ”
Wait, why was the Liegelord of All the Galaxies coming here to have a meeting about her? What about her could possibly draw them here?
Unless they heard about the circumstances of her coming. Maybe they were here to condemn Tsok for letting a criminal – even one that had been falsely accused – come here. Maybe the goth girl from the wrong side of the tracks wasn’t good enough for someone as important as Tsok. Maybe they were going to demand she go back.
That was a worrying thought, although it did seem a bit strange. Even if that was the case, surely the Supreme Being of Everyone could have had someone else come to talk about it? For that matter, what was so bad about her, it drove them all the way here to begin with? If it was even about that. And if it wasn’t, what could she possibly have to do with it?
“Do you mind?” Tsok asked, interrupting her spiraling thoughts. “Coming to the meeting, I mean. I know you have clients tomorrow…”
Right. Clients. Her salon. She couldn’t just…
The High Imperium was staring at her again. She didn't know how she knew when it was impossible to tell if they even had eyes, much less if they were focused on her. Still, she was absolutely certain that they were looking at her.
“I can reschedule,” she finally said, her lips a little numb.
There was no way she was missing that meeting. If the Primest of Ministers was having a meeting with her as the topic, she needed to be there to hear it. Especially if it was something bad. She needed to know if she had to bail or not.
“I’ll be there,” she promised, voice stronger this time.
???
The next day, early in the morning, the meeting took place in Glass Manor. There was a large meeting room on the first floor that Tsok opened for all of them. It had a wide, ‘U’ shaped table with multiple seats and a big combot that came down from the ceiling that acted as a projector. It was currently on standby mode, projecting some lazily twisting circle that floated around the space in 3D like a floater in her eye.
Tsok and Misty arrived early, but somehow not before the Imperium themselves. They had a new cover today, this one a rainbow of pink, purple, and orange with another scene on it, though it was one she didn't recognize. It appeared to be a giant beast hovering over a shiny crystal. Very fantastical and beautiful with golden thread woven through the scales of the monster, making it shine.
They weren’t at the table when Misty and Tsok walked in together. Instead, their combot appeared to be communicating with the projector.
“ Welcome, ” the Imperium greeted as they walked inside, like it was their meeting room. “ I’ve moved the chair at the head to make space for myself. Feel free to sit anywhere else. ”
There it was.
They acted so humble and soft spoken, Misty had trouble matching up that person with the idea of a Great Ruler Over Literally All. But she saw it there, in that simple sentence. Though this was Tsok’s manor, Tsok’s meeting room, Tsok’s planet, the High Imperium was the one encouraging him to sit wherever he liked. It was polite, but it very clearly showed that the Imperium was the one in charge here, despite everything else.
Tsok gave them a look, but it wasn’t the affront she expected from someone having their space claimed. Instead, it was… contrition. Like Tsok might have done something wrong. “I’m sorry that you beat us down here, your excellency. I was hoping to be first so we could make sure it was all set up correctly.”
“ I simply needed to borrow your projector. ” The High Imperium floated away from the projector combot where it floated on the ceiling. “ I’ve finished what I need. Feel free to do what you need. ”
With that, they moved to the head ofthe table, to a space where a chair used to be, and just kind of… stood there. Floated there? They didn't move down like they had taken a seat. They didn't move at all, even when Davard came in with water that he began setting out along the table. Or when he came back with some light finger foods that he also passed out. Even when the guests arrived – seniors and workers and Vigo as well.
Surprised to see the creator of True Match and his mate, Misty waved at them as people began picking seats. Chatting amicably to each other. No one approached the High Imperium – who remained as still and silent as a statue.
Senior Boktare and his mate were among the last to arrive. The older male was also the only one who approached the Imperium and greeted them. Though they didn't move, the High Imperium promptly returned their greeting in a polite tone, ruling out the idea that they had just gone to sleep while waiting for everyone.
Tsok and Misty took one side of the Imperium – Vigo and his mate Jeanie beside them. Boktare and his mate Fia took their other side. The other seniors and lawmakers filled in the rest of the table. There were no other mates here, but there were some aids, standing back with hands poised in the air, ready to take notes off their personal combots.
Because even though they arrived without a lot of fanfare, this was still the Headest of Head Honchos come to speak with them. They didn't want to risk missing anything.
“ Thank you all for coming and indulging me, ” the High Imperium finally started once everyone was seated, bringing the low-level chatter to an instant halt, like they’d flipped a switch on a speaker. “ I understand that this is quite abnormal for me, so I appreciate your attention. ”
“We are happy to have you,” Tsok assured them, speaking for the room. Because that was his role as the char of his people. He was the one who spoke to the universe, and he was their representative to this, their excellency, the High Imperium themselves. “I will admit, we are curious. It is not like you to come to visit the member planets like this.”
“ And ordinarily, I would not. My people have agreed that it is best to let the species of the Coalition flourish under their own power, without guidance from us as though we were some kind of central authority. The Coalition is meant to be a group of allies. Of equals. It is never our intention as vitulli to believe we can rule over you. That, I believe, is what allowed us to have such a deep bond for as long as we have. ”
Misty had never been one for politics or boring speeches. She tuned out during her own high school graduation, and that had been of a class of about sixty people, not even that long. But she was locked in right now, listening with great interest as the Imperium spoke.
It was kind of strange, she acknowledged for the first time, that so many species across so many planets – more than two hundred – had been friends and allies for so long. Or at all. But their ruler was admitting that they weren’t their ruler, so it made a bit more sense. There was no authority to buck here, because the authority in question wasn’t acting like an authority. Everyone in the Coalition maintained their autonomy. In that case, his visit here was even more informal than she thought.
Oh. Maybe that’s why there hadn’t been a parade or a big landing ceremony or a bunch of people gathered to meet them. They deliberately didn’t want people to acknowledge them as some kind of greater authority on the member planets.
“What did you need to speak with us about?” Tsok asked, getting right to the heart of the matter.
“ It is about True Match. ” As the Imperium spoke, the projector changed. Instead of the lazily twisting circle, it became the logo for True Match. The bold, simple letters of True, and the flowy, more cursive letters of Match – where the ‘M’ was shaped reminiscent of a heart. “ I must say, I find it humorously ironic that the only species in the Coalition that actively rejects the very idea of mating at all is the same one that developed a mate scanning system. ”
Misty had to fight back a chuckle as the others around the room shared glances. Clearly, the irony wasn’t lost on them either. Though, they seemed to find it less amusing.
“It is a useful system,” Senior Boktare said, interrupting the uneasy silence of the others. “If our people know who our mates are supposed to be, they can be avoided.”
“Or sought out in safety,” Tsok added immediately, tone hard. “As I have clearly demonstrated.”
“One case does not a pattern make,” Boktare countered, his voice tired like they’d already had this argument plenty of times already. “You are a male of impeachable moral character, Char Tsok. You cannot really expect every male of our society to have your will. That is who these procedures and policies are made for. We do this so we can protect our females. We do it for Her.”
Misty frowned, leaning forward to give him a look. To give his mate a look. They both had frowns on their faces, but she could tell they were holding hands under the table. Getting strength from each other. She thought it was rather hypocritical of them to condemn others for something they already got to enjoy.
She could admit that maybe their mating didn't have a completely consensual start, but they were clearly enjoying all the benefits of matehood now while denying it to everyone else. Maybe it would be different if they refused to stay together, but they clearly liked and relied on each other for support.
“ It appears that Misty has something to say. ”
The Imperium’s amused voice made her start in surprise. She leaned back quickly, fixing an apologetic smile on her face. “Sorry, er…? Excellency. I was just listening.”
“ Very well, apparently. ” How did that robotic voice sound like it was laughing? For something artificial, it did a great job of portraying tone.
Her cheeks heated, but she kept her head held high. “My opinions are hardly relevant. We’re talking about the kreecharma. You were saying about True Match?”
That obvious, hard rebuttal could easily be considered rude. More than a few of the gathered seniors cut her harsh glances for speaking to someone so important that way, but she could swear she heard the little combot chuckling as, obediently, the High Imperium turned back to the projector.
“ I believe that Kree is standing on the precipice of a great societal change. One only equaled by the original change that brought your people here. That change wasn’t one the Coalition was privileged enough to witness, as it was before your joining. Now, however, you have allies, and it is my intention to make sure that your people have all the support and guidance they need, no matter what direction they decide to take their future.
“ On one side, we have Senior Boktare and his stance as a traditionalist. You believe that True Match should be used to make sure that no kreecharma ever mates again. After all, if you know who your mate is, you can make sure to always stay away from them. ”
“That is only what is right,” Boktare said, head held high. “I never want to subject another female to what my Fia had to go through.”
Misty must have had that look on her face again, because Boktare lowered his gaze and caught her eyes before continuing.
“I know you may think it hypocritical for me to say so, as a happily mated male. But the pain that brought us here is one I would do anything to spare my Fia. I do not say this because I want my people to suffer because I despise mating. I say this because we love our mates so much, we never want to subject them to our rut again.”
“It wasn’t even that bad,” Jeanie said, suddenly interjecting, her face drawn in irritation.
“With all due respect, female,” Boktare said to her carefully, “you are human. Humans are notoriously overly sexual. Just because you enjoyed the full force of your mate’s rut, does not mean that a properly raised kreecharma female would.”
Misty’s hackles immediately raised at that. It felt too much like he’d said, ‘yes, you liked it, but you’re also a whore so of course you’d like it’. Giving him the benefit of the doubt, she didn't think he meant anything malicious, but she also couldn’t think of any other way to take it.
“ Now, now ,” the Imperium said calmly. “ Let’s not bring humanity’s sensuality into this. The point is that Senior Boktare comes from a place of good intentions. So, too, does Char Tsok. He argues that knowing your mate means you can control the time of mating. And since it could now be done safely, it is time to return to mating how your people used to. A model that Vigo and his mate have proven is perfectly possible by their own family. ”
The projector changed again. This time, it was a family portrait. One of Vigo, Jeanie, and their two baby kreecharma. They had fur that was red with a brown cast, absolutely beautiful. They appeared, for all intents and purposes, to be full kreecharma. They were both in their father’s arms, clinging to his neck, as Jeanie smiled at the three of them with such a look of joy, it made Misty’s chest twist with envious longing.
That could be them one day, she thought. Her and Tsok.
Wait…
How come he’d never brought up mating her?
They were practically dating now. They spent most of their time in her manor, they slept each night in her bed. But he’d never once brought up the idea of taking off his nasal filter and scenting her so that they could actually be mated.
Originally, that hadn’t bothered her, because she didn't like him anyway. And when they started getting along, it just hadn’t occurred to her to wonder about.
But now, seeing him between the two larger, mated males – Boktare and Vigo – she had no choice but to think.
Why hadn’t he offered to scent her?
“The Char is a progressive, open minded individual,” Boktare was saying with all the courtesy of a consummate politician. “But what he suggests is simply too careless.”
“It is what’s best for our people,” Tsok countered. “The concept of family is broken among our species. We can reclaim that. We can reclaim our full selves, without fear or shame.”
“There is nothing wrong with our culture. This is who we are.”
“Artificial insemination has much higher rates of spontaneous abortion compared to natural conception. Kit centers have a tendency to be overworked, underpaid, with sporadic, unreliable oversight for those in the poorer areas. Our people cannot breathe fresh air because of our fear, and when a mating happens, it is always a violent disruption usually caused by an accident. As you yourself demonstrated, Senior Boktare. Controlling mating, rather than rejecting it, could fix all of that.”
The respected senior narrowed his eyes at the reminder of his own accidental mating. Both males were glaring at each other around the High Imperium. Both were completely secure in their argument. Neither willing to be moved.
“Your excellency,” someone else further down the table leaned forward. “Are you here to tell us your opinion on this matter?”
“ Oh, no, ” the Imperium said immediately. “ It is not my place to give my opinion one way or the other. I simply want to be here to witness it, to provide guidance. And maybe to move this argument forward, since it appears you are at a stalemate. Char Tsok, if I may, what would it take to get you to change your mind about mating? ”
Tsok frowned. Misty stared at him, curious about what he would say.
“Having brought my mate here, I think I have proven how easy it can be to maintain close proximity to her without losing control.”
Misty frowned. Thinking of all those times he did lose control. Where his eyes glowed. Where he pounced on her and fucked her so fast, she could barely breathe much less move. It wasn’t a rut, but it felt reminiscent of one. Like he was dancing right there on the edge of losing control totally, despite what he claimed.
“ That wasn’t what I asked. ” The Imperium said, interrupting his thoughts. “ What would it take for you to admit you are wrong and that Senior Boktare was right? ”
Tsok held his head high. “I would have to lose control. Despite all the care and effort I put into not scenting my female, my efforts would have to be for naught. I would have to go into rut, chase her down, and mate her without her consent. And that will never happen. I have determined that I will not scent my mate, and, though I have been living with her for quite some time now, it has not happened. And it will not happen.”
Misty gave him a look. Frowning. Because that made it sound like he was never going to scent her at all, and that’s not what she signed up for.
“ How about you, Senior Boktare? What would it take for you to change your mind? ”
The senior held his head high. “The honorable char seems to think he is infallible, and he is not. It is only a matter of time before-”
“ Senior, please. Answer the question. ”
He huffed. “If there was a way to be sure, without a single doubt, that the mating was welcome.”
“Me saying ‘yes’ isn’t enough?” Jeanie interjected again.
“No. Excuse me for saying so, female, but I believe your mating was not your choice either, was it?”
“I consented!”
“Perhaps, but you did not choose where, when, or how you mated. You ran a risk when it happened. You gambled with your body. Vigo could have seriously harmed you.”
“But he didn't!”
“But he could! I know you are human, and humans crave the debased pleasures that can be found in such moments, but my planet is not populated by humans!”
“Seriously?” Misty was the one interjecting this time. Too annoyed to keep her mouth shut any longer. “You think we enjoy being raped or something?”
“The way she responded to Vigo’s unwelcomed rut certainly seems to suggest so,” he retorted coolly.
“I will rip those whiskers off your face!” Misty snapped, slamming her hand onto the table. “How dare you even suggest such a despicable thing! What we enjoy with consent from our mates and lovers does not mean we would welcome it from anyone!”
“Exactly!” Jeanie nodded her head quickly. “Kink doesn’t automatically equal consent.”
“ Excuse me ,” the Imperium interjected smoothly. “ I don’t believe the senior was trying to suggest you would enjoy being forced to mate someone. ”
“Certainly not,” Boktare reared back, as though offended of even the accusation. “I celebrated your mating, if you will recall. I congratulated Char Tsok as well. I tell you again, it is not the act of mating I am against. If you enjoy and welcome the rut, that is perfectly fine. I am merely arguing that the only way for me to change my mind would be absolute, undeniable proof that both the male and the female halves of our pairings agreed to this before they took off their masks. That they understand what’s happening. That they are prepared for it. It has to be undeniable.”
Misty frowned, but before she could argue further, the Imperium continued, changing the projector image again. This time to the True Match building here in Stutgora.
“ It is my intention to remain here until this argument has reached a peaceful resolution. Now, let’s start with True Match and what it can do for your people. I will hear both sides. ”