Mated and Alone (True Match)

Chapter 32

Tsok

The meeting room of the Glass Manor was tense. Silent. The High Imperium was at their spot at the head of the ‘U’ shaped table. To one side sat Senior Boktare, his mate, and another senior who, while unmated, still agreed with Boktare’s ideals. To the other side, Tsok sat with his mate and Davard.

The six were staring/glaring across the small distance at each other. The High Imperium hadn’t said a word since they all sat down, and even as the silence continued to strain the room, they kept their silence. This was a matter for Boktare and Tsok to work out. And it really felt like they had finally come to the end of their ability to negotiate. If they didn't come up with a plan today, there really was nothing left for them to argue further.

If it came to a vote now, Tsok honestly didn't know who the rest of the seniors would side with. He knew he had some supporters, but so did Boktare, and there were plenty of people that hadn’t declared their intentions one way or another. Enough that it really was a tossup.

“These human wedding ceremonies,” the senior finally started. “You really think our people would go for something like that?”

“We used to have our own mating ceremonies,” Davard answered for him. “They used to follow the mating itself, not proceed it, but there’s no reason the order can’t be reversed. It’s not quite the same as human weddings, but we can take some of their traditions and meld them with ours to create a ceremony that will satisfy both parties.”

“I’ve sent you information about our traditions,” Tsok said, indicating to their combots. “Davard, who has studied history, made these information packets for you. I also have information on weddings from Misty about human ceremonies. I believe we can work together to create a new tradition for our people going forward.”

Senior Boktare’s expression was completely calm, totally unreadable as he leaned forward. “I’ve read about human ceremonies. Tell me about ours.”

Tsok, who learned all this from Davard, did the talking, as he was the one fighting for this. It was his job as char to advocate for his people – even if it meant advocating to his people.

“In the past, after a couple had finished the rut and returned to their families, there were a few things that were done. First was a feast and day of rest, for the couple surely needed it. The rut is notoriously draining for both parties, but especially for the males who also go through such an abrupt and drastic change in size and strength on top of the rut. In the days following, after the couple had recuperated, there was a party to celebrate the couple wherein the families would meet each other for the first time. After that, there was a period of uninterrupted time for the couple to really learn about each other. It usually lasted about twelve days. After that, the couple would host their own party, welcoming their friends and family, and celebrate each other, announce their mating to all, and declare their appreciation for each other.”

“So, it was two parties,” Boktare summarized. “One from the family and one from the pairing. Everything else just seems to be the two resting and meeting each other.”

“Essentially,” Tsok inclined his head in agreement. “There is more, of course. There were traditions on what to wear, what to say, the events at the parties – things like that. But those details can be worked out later. For our purposes, the timeline overall is more important.”

Boktare sat back. “And the human wedding, as told by your female, involves many tendays of planning a very large party wherein friends and family gather together to watch them mate?”

Misty nearly choked on her laughter. “No. No, that’s not-... They didn't watch them mate . They bore witness to the vows the couple exchanged. It’s the vows that are important. It doesn’t matter what else changes in the ceremony, it’s the vows that are the actual marriage.”

“And these vows are…?”

“Oh, well. Technically, they can be whatever you want. Each culture has their own, and sometimes people just ad lib. But where I’m from, it’s like, er, do you promise to love and cherish this person in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, so long as you both shall live. I think? I don’t really know the vows perfectly off the top of my head but that’s essentially it.”

“I see.” Boktare tilted his head. “And then after that, they mate?”

“No. After the vows is the reception. That’s where we have a big party for all the friends and family. I mean, I guess it can be a small party? You know, some people have backyard weddings because it’s more intimate and cheaper and-... I’m getting off track here. Point is: the vow ceremony leads into the reception. And then, after that, is the wedding night. Then the honeymoon. Which I think is similar to the twelve day thing? Not for the couple to get to know each other, but for them to be undisturbed and alone together.”

“What is the wedding night?”

“Oh, that. Well, back when my people had a bigger abstinence culture, the wedding night was meant to be the first night you spent together as husband and wife. That would be where the first mating would happen. It’s not really exclusive for that anymore, but the wedding night is still considered pretty important. Even if a couple chooses to delay their honeymoon by a few months, the wedding night is still the wedding night, you know?”

“I see,” Boktare said, his tone completely unreadable.

“I think we can combine our two traditions quite neatly,” Tsok said. “The large party is considered to be so important it requires tendays to plan. That would quite neatly solve the problem of rash actions. A vow ceremony before the rut and a party afterwards would allow the first meeting of family and friends and ensure that all parties are truly there willingly. Then, after the rut, there can be the traditional rest and feast followed by a time of solitude for the couple. One last party afterward hosted by the couple can then seal the fact that they both chose this and don’t regret the decision.”

Boktare said nothing for a considerable amount of time. Enough that the tension in the room became uncomfortable. But Tsok dared not break it. He could tell that the senior was considering all of that and weighing it against his own wants and concerns.

“The scan should be mandatory for all citizens,” he finally said.

“The scan?”

“The True Match scan.” Boktare held up his hand when Tsok went to speak. “I understand that it will take time for such a drastic change to be implemented. Vigo will need to open up many, many more True Match locations all over Kree, but he can receive government aid to finance all of it. And the mandatory requirement of the scan won’t go into effect until after there are enough True Match locations to service the public.”

It was Tsok’s turn to hold his silence as he considered the senior’s words. Mandatory scanning was a bit extreme. No other planet that allowed True Match to operate on their soul had even considered that. And, he was sure, very few, if any, others would.

It would be a task of considerable scale. Making enough True Match locations on Kree to serve the entire population alone would take years. Then, there would have to be a period afterwards, between them all being active and a new, mandatory law going into effect, to allow people the chance to get scanned. Not just the initial rush of those scanning after a location opened, but a warning to everyone else before any new laws went into effect.

And there would be push back. It didn't matter what people believed – if they were for or against mating. There would inevitably be those that would be annoyed that they were being forced to be scanned regardless of what side of the argument they fell on. For those, there would have to be some kind of penalty for not being scanned. Which meant there would need to be funds allocated to find and enforce those penalties.

It was a lot. The tradition changes Tsok was seeking to implement were all cultural. Almost no government oversight or funding would be needed aside from publishing and publicizing their relationship – something the media was already doing anyway. Boktare’s condition, however, was something that would require a great deal of work and oversight.

Although, it was all work that the seniors and workers would need to do. Tsok, as char, wouldn’t actually need to be involved in any of it. Boktare wasn’t giving him a chore to do, he was explaining his conditions for agreement.

“That won’t be easy,” Tsok finally said.

“I’m aware.” Boktare inclined his head in acknowledgement. “But I think it’s the best option. If everyone knows their mate before they meet, there won’t be any accidents. Let me correct myself: there will be far less accidents. I’m not so foolish to think it can be abolished completely. But with this as a safety measure, the majority should be prevented.”

Tsok nodded once. “I would be willing to go along with this and promote it as the correct path forward. If our people still have the option to mate if they so choose.”

“And I would be willing to endorse that choice if it is made carefully and consensually.”

The two of them shared a long look. Tsok felt something, at long last, settle between them. They both grinned at each other. The satisfaction of a deal well struck humming in the air.

“ And I think I know just the couple to start off this wonderful plan, ” the Imperium declared, finally breaking their long silence with a happy chirp of their combot.

Everyone in the room turned to face them. Almost surprised. They had been so silent, it was easy to forget they were still sitting there.

Before Tsok could recover and actually decipher what they said however, Misty was already leaning forward, looking over to them.

“You don’t mean us, do you?” She asked, pointing between herself and Tsok.

“ Who better? ” The Imperium asked happily. “ Tsok is supposed to represent all kreecharma. He is the very ideal of a traditional, proper kreecharma male. If he starts this new tradition, others will certainly follow. ”

“That’s a marvelous idea,” Tsok beamed, excitement rushing up his chest, setting him ablaze with excitement. He turned to Boktare. “Does this suit you?”

The older male thought for a moment before grunting in agreement. “I should like to be involved in the planning process. And we’ll need to promote it. Very publicly.”

“We can make sure the people learn all of our old traditions,” Tsok looked at Davard. “It can be presented to them as a revival of what was old, combined with what will be new.”

“I think that’s a wonderful idea,” Davard said, excitement lighting him up. “I would be quite happy to put something together. Like a documentary or something like that. It can be broadcasted far before your wedding itself, to get the people excited. We can document all the different parts of the party planning as well. To continue to build excitement.”

“That could work,” Boktare said, a smile forming. “The more people are excited about this-”

“-the more likely they are to do it,” Tsok finished eagerly. He turned. “Misty, what do you-… Misty?”

His female was giving him a withering look. Her arms were crossed, her expression cold. Even as his question fizzled off, her brow popped. “Oh, are we asking me now?”

The harsh edge to her voice brought silence and stillness back to the room. Everyone present looked at her, motionless, as her eyes narrowed on him. Waiting for his response. And Tsok felt like he was suddenly standing underneath an ax that was ready to fall. He could see it in her eyes. The sharp edge, the threat, waiting for his answer to determine his fate.

Tsok thought quickly. Running back through the conversation. The one that just made him so excited. If he could marry his female, if he had Boktare’s permission, then he could mate her. He could claim her as a kreecharma male should.

That was what they both wanted, he thought. Wasn’t that why he had been so determined to get her to admit she was his mate, and why she had been so determined to refuse him? He had the ability to give her what she wanted now. So, why was she upset?

He took too long to respond – and that was the wrong response.

Misty huffed, getting to her feet “Whatever. You all have fun planning my wedding. I’m going to go get ready for my clients tomorrow.”

“Misty-” Tsok tried to reach for her, but she neatly dodged his hand.

“Don’t let me disturb you,” she said primly. “You boys have a lot to do.”

With that, she flounced from the room. Hair bouncing in its tail, boots striking hard against the marble tiles. Tsok watched her go, very confused about what to do. That was clearly her refusing to see or talk to him right now, but he felt like he should probably go after her.

“ Well, that was certainly informative, ” the Imperium said, unmistakable mirth in their robotic voice.

Tsok frowned at them. “I feel like I misstepped somewhere there.”

“Is she not happy to marry you?” Boktare asked, his voice hard and suspicious.

“I thought she was,” Tsok frowned.

“ Well, did you ask her? ” The High Imperium inquired, still sounding annoyingly amused. Like they knew something Tsok didn’t.

“We were discussing it even just last night. She seemed willing.”

“ Yes, but did you ask ? ”

Tsok frowned. “She told me that I don’t need to ask for every little thing.”

“ You consider your mating to be a little thing? ”

The realization struck. He groaned, sitting back. “That’s why she was mad. She wanted to be asked formally. The proposal for marriage is its own tradition among humans. I was so focused on the wedding part, I completely forgot about that.”

Boktare chuckled at him. “I think you need to learn how to communicate better with your mate.”

Tsok let out a long sigh. “I seem to keep committing offenses against her. She calls me an emotional virgin. I suppose it’s an apt enough description.”

“We should spend more time together,” Boktare laughed. “This wedding planning will be good for you. I’ve been mated for many years. I have a great deal of experience to share in that regard.”

Tsok stood up straight. “You’d be willing to advise me in this?” That was surprising.

Then again, maybe it wasn’t. They might have been standing on opposite sides of an argument, but at the end of the day, they both wanted the same thing – the safety and happiness of their people. Tsok had never had a personal issue with Boktare.

“You must learn to listen to your instincts,” the elder male said with the sort of sage grace only gained through time and experience.

“I specifically cannot,” Tsok countered. “The entire basis of my argument is built on the concept of ignoring my instincts.”

“I don’t mean your rut.” Boktare waved aside his words. “We enter the rut only once in our lives. You think the only instincts you have towards your female are connected to that. You have so many more. So many good instincts inside you to care for her. You merely need learn to listen to them.”

Listen to his instincts…

Now there was a novel idea he’d never tried.

Tsok chuckled, inclining his head. “I bow to your greater wisdom, senior.”

“ It just so happens, ” the High Imperium started, pleased, “ I have an idea for how to make it up to her. ”