Chapter 19 #5
He turned back to Scarlet and the others and gave them an apologetic smile.
“Females, accept my sincere apology on behalf of the ratchi. I smell your fear. I know that your experience with my species has only been negative. Allow me this opportunity to demonstrate our goodness. The bonds of family that bind us and the honor that drives us. My people are hardworking and loyal, and if we are rough around the edges, it is a strength that we use to protect those we hold dear.”
Scarlet actually felt guilty, hearing him talk, for that flash of fear that wasn’t her fault.
She didn't have to express that, however, as Alanna stepped forward and inclined her head to him.
“Elder, we do not blame the whole of your people for the actions of a few. Our fear, as you said, is only a reaction because of experience. No different than the fear we might retain against anyone who would harm us. It has nothing to do with you as a people and it is a reaction that is already fading in the face of your understanding and good nature.”
“You are forgiving and wise females indeed.”
“We try to judge based on a person’s actions, not their appearance,” Alanna corrected. “It is an ideal my people strive to achieve. And you, Elder, have been kind to us. We have nothing but respect for you and we are grateful you are willing to co-sponsor Earth’s protectorate status.”
“I could do nothing else. It is a matter of honor and doing the right thing.” He turned to face the rest of the representatives again.
“Humans have already begun to traverse their solar system.
I do not doubt that they will soon have the capability of reaching past it, and they would then qualify for full membership anyway.
Why not offer them this protection until then?
“They have a rich culture we can experience. The music, the art, the stories. Trade will have to be heavily monitored, of course. We cannot advance their technology any further until they have attained full membership, but we can still learn from what they have built. The females are beautiful and clever and I’m sure the males will prove just as impressive.
Our Coalition has only ever benefited when a new species joins our ranks.
Two of these females have already mated to the domini, and a third has been courted. ”
Scarlet stilled in surprise, but Haviss continued, unaware of her reaction.
“We are seeing for ourselves just how readily they join to other species. Think of yourselves. Your mate might be waiting for you on Earth. Think of your families. Your children. Your people. They could have a match among the humans. There are so many that never get to experience this bond. Too many. Think of the possibilities that await them on Earth.”
Scarlet and Alanna and Peony shared a startled look. That wasn’t at all what she expected him to say, and she wasn’t sure she was comfortable with him saying it.
Were they all expecting Earth brides? Did they think human females would just spread their legs for any alien that came along? Or human males, for that matter.
Well, actually, she was pretty sure a man would be willing to stick his dick into anything, so that wasn’t a big stretch, but it was still wrong to make the suggestion that these aliens should accept them because they wanted to fuck them.
Haviss was still talking, unaware of their unease.
“The domini and ratchi, together, are more than wealthy and powerful enough to serve as protectors and sponsors for Earth. These females are domini by law and therefore full citizens of the Coalition and able to speak to their people on our behalf. Earth is not under attack; it is not desperate for aid. We have a unique opportunity here to peacefully accept a new species under our protection and ready them for full membership. We should take advantage of it. Anything we may lose in cost will be more than made up for in all that we gain.”
Atem stepped forward and clapped him on the shoulder, thanking him formally but genuinely.
“Scarlet?” Havali’s voice in her ear turned her back to him. He was frowning. “Are you alright? What did he say wrong?”
She hesitated before shaking her head. “Not now.”
He looked like he wanted to argue, but nodded once, accepting her decision. She didn't want to talk about this out in the open and potentially weaken their stance on the matter.
She wanted to give Earth this opportunity, but she didn't want to do it if their bodies were the cost.
“Thank you for your words, representative,” the High Imperium said as Elder Haviss was stepping back into his box.
He continued as it lifted back in the air, leaving them behind.
“The mark is late. We shall leave the presentations there for today and will pick up again tomorrow. Thank you for your attention and dedication to these matters.”
The lowest ring of boxes began to descend so their inhabitants could leave. Those higher up had exits on their levels they could reach without needing to wait. Since their box was already on the ground, their group didn't have to go anywhere.
“That was weird, right?” Peony asked, deliberately speaking English.
Their native tongue was still in their heads.
The imprint of new languages didn't override what they already knew. They just didn't use it very often because the domini around them wouldn’t understand and it seemed rude. Even when they were alone, they knew modern Domtri and Standard so well, they couldn’t even say it was easier to speak English.
That Peony was speaking it now didn't escape the guys’ notice. All three domini males looked at her in surprise. Unable to understand her. Atem shifted uneasily at the switch in language. Havali and Tuvo shared a look. But Scarlet couldn’t feel guilty about excluding them right now.
“Definitely weird,” Alanna agreed, biting at her thumb.
“You didn't tell him to say that, right?” Scarlet asked.
“What? No. We talked about culture and the arts and the benefits of expanding the Coalition with a new species.” Alanna shook her head.
“I mean, we mentioned the whole cross-species-reproduction thing, but that was more about us arguing if we could use it to our advantage. Like, if the babies would be from both cultures, we should open both cultures to them, not that we could have babies so we should have babies. Mating was never even brought up.”
Peony touched her rounded stomach with a frown. “I mean, Holly and I aren’t having babies for the good of humanity over here. We’re doing it because we love our guys.”
Scarlet nodded. “And I’m all for advancing humanity into the stars and promoting peaceful human-alien coexistence, but I’m not trying to do it on my back.”
“No, no. I get it,” Alanna hastened to reassure them. “Reasonable concern and definitely not one of the talking points the three of us have been discussing.”
“Then, why did he bring it up?” Peony asked.
“Is that how they see us?” Scarlet added, unable to resist looking suspiciously back at Havali.
He looked startled by the expression on her face, and she quickly turned away.
“My great-grandmother did not become a suffragette and burn her bra just so we could take five huge steps back in the rights of women the second we meet aliens.”
“That’s not…” Alanna hesitated to speak, because she couldn’t make any guarantees that wasn’t exactly how Haviss, and other males here, were thinking.
“Are we just little fuck dolls to them?” Scarlet whispered, her belly twisting uneasily.
She didn't want to believe that of Havali.
That he was only looking at her because she was pretty and could potentially give him lots of babies – something that aliens found extremely desirable since they didn't breed with the same ease as humans.
“No. No way,” Peony shook her head quickly. “I mean, yeah, they have a breeding kink, but I’ve never felt disrespected or that Atem didn't love me.”
“Peony, you’ve become a housewife. You taught the guy the phrase ‘barefoot and pregnant’, and he’s been using it unironically and actively making it his goal.”
“Yeah, but that’s my choice too. He didn't make it alone. It’s also what I want. Besides, Alanna isn’t being pursued by anyone, and everyone still respects her. Right?”
She directed that question towards Alanna who nodded, but her frown didn't lessen.
“We are more than our ability to get pregnant,” Scarlet said firmly.
“Alanna, you need to make that clear. If we take anyone as a mate, it has to be by choice. And if we have babies, it has to be something that we want. We already have a big enough problem being known as the sexy species. We can’t let them make us the breeder species as well. ”
“I’ll talk to them,” Alanna promised, touching both of their shoulders. “Okay? Don’t freak. I’m sure Haviss didn't even mean it in a bad way. It’s probably nothing. We’ll sort this out and it will be fine. I’m not going to let us be known as nothing more than baby makers.”
Scarlet still felt uneasy, but she nodded, accepting her words. The three of them fell silent which seemed to be all the opening the guys needed.
“Vi Seerin?” Atem started, putting his arms around her from behind. “What’s wrong? What happened? Are you all right?”
Peony forced a smile, switching back to standard. “Fine. We’re okay. Just having a team meeting.”
“We’re on the same team though,” Havali said, taking Scarlet by the shoulder and turning her to face him. “If there is something wrong, you must tell us. We’ll fix it together.”
She opened her mouth but hesitated. And that only deepened his frown.
“Come on,” Alanna said, smiling at them. Though it didn't reach her eyes. “Let’s get out of here and get back to the embassy. We can have a proper team meeting there.”