Chapter 42
Havali
The process of voting took over a full day by the time they were finished. Twenty-two and a half marks by the time the High Imperium finally called halt. It was actually a fairly fast time. It could, and often did, last much longer. Luckily, it had gone smoothly this year.
He was still exhausted as the rotunda was emptying.
He, and the other representatives that were getting a further meeting with the High Imperium, had stayed behind.
They were chatting over messenger, setting up times and making lists of things they might need with the leader.
These meetings did not need to be in species order, and instead were usually done by order of importance.
He wasn’t surprised when the High Imperium asked him to come meet with him first.
As he made plans with them, behind him, Scarlet and Alanna were remarking with wonder about the success of their mission. Alanna was being her usual strange self while Scarlet seemed amazed that it was the birth – “Of all things!” – that had convinced everyone.
Havali was more concerned by how nonchalant she was about it.
The human females were so soft and sensual, fragile and little, it was generally accepted that their planet must be quite peaceful. The threats there couldn’t be too dangerous and the humans, as a whole, must be so sweet and kind.
They had often stated that their world wasn’t so idyllic, but Havali, and the others, had simply dismissed the words. But they had dismissed their concerns over how much of a trial the labor would be and Havali was not going to make that mistake twice.
Because what if their world wasn’t peaceful as he assumed? And if such a horrific birthing process was normal for them, then what kind of horrific world must Earth be?
There was only one way to find out and he was finalizing plans with the High Imperium to give them that knowledge.
“Are we done?” Scarlet asked when he finally closed the messenger.
“We’ll have a preliminary meeting now,” he said, getting to his feet.
“Nothing specific will be decided, but we’ll get an idea for what we need to do.
Then, finally, we get a break. Tomorrow, there will be a celebration for the end of the gathering.
After that, the majority of the representatives will return to their home planets.
We will remain and have our final meetings with the High Imperium though. ”
Scarlet blew out a long breath, running a hand through her hair. “Okay. I’m ready.”
Havali frowned. The lights in the rotunda were up now and he got his first good look at Scarlet’s face since he had begun.
Humans did not camouflage like the domini did, but that did not mean they didn’t change color. They did quite frequently, in fact. Havali had learned that he could even keep track of Scarlet’s emotions and wellbeing through the changes.
Her skin was pale, almost gray now. Her lips had lost their usual deep, red luster and had faded into an ashy kind of pink. The shine of her eyes had dulled and, strangely, there were dark shadows underneath them.
He did not recognize this constellation of colors, but a quick glance at Alanna showed that she shared them. Alanna’s darker skin had lost its sheen and appeared ashen all over. The thin skin underneath her eyes looked somehow heavy.
“Are you both all right?” He asked, looking between the two even as his hand came out to rest gently at the low of Scarlet’s back.
“A bit tired,” Alanna admitted, smiling even as she yawned.
A strange thing that humans did sometimes when they were bored or fatigued.
Havali wasn’t sure why they did it. Or what purpose it served.
They couldn’t seem to tell him either. It was harmless, he knew, but judging by the size and duration of Alanna’s yawn – added with their color changes – they must be exhausted.
After more than a full day of voting and listening and presenting arguments, Havali wasn’t exactly bounding with energy, but he could keep working.
“Maybe you two ought to go back to the compound,” he said gently. “Like I said, nothing will be decided at this meeting. It will just be a quick overview.”
“All the more reason for me to be there!” Alanna protested, some of the light returning to her eyes as she perked up at the very suggestion of being left behind. “My uncle is a leader on my planet. I’m the one who is going to make this connection happen.”
“And I’m not missing this,” Scarlet added, smiling with restrained fatigue. “If you’re staying, I’m staying.”
He would rather his adassi return to her bed – maybe think about how she wanted her nest made – but he wasn’t going to prevent them from coming along.
He led them out of the rotunda and into the surrounding halls. A few other representatives and their entourages still lingered – though most were eagerly seeking beds after being awake for so long. Those that remained greeted them warmly, though Havali did not linger for long.
The High Imperium was already waiting in the private meeting room when the three of them entered after only a short walk through the complex.
The towering, imposing figure of the Imperium seemed to take up fully half of the room, their long, colorful robes spread out all around them, their body fully hidden, their large combot smoothly transitioning between colors.
“Welcome,” their electronic voice greeted. “Please, sit. I’m sure you are eager to sleep, and I do not intend to keep you overly long.”
“High Imperium,” Havali saluted him formally.
“It is my honor to stand in for vi Dominani while he tends to his mate and newborn pup. This is Alanna. She has a familial connection to a person of power on Earth. And this is Healer Scarlet. They are both eager to work with us in making the coming contact as smooth as possible.”
“Well met, both of you,” they greeted. Their robes were so voluminous, Havali couldn’t even see the person beneath them breathing, though he knew they were there.
The three of them took their seats across from the Imperium – they took up one side by themselves, the three of them took up the other.
“I shall explain this from the beginning, as I expect, females, you know little of this process.”
“I’ve been reading some,” Alanna smiled. “But I don’t want to assume I know everything. Tell it to us like we haven’t heard a single word.”
“I shall do so. Granting a planet protectorate status is a very delicate thing to do. Each case must be adapted to the needs of the protectorate. Your planet is not under immediate, unusual threat, so this is not so much a rescue as a political maneuver. It will have to be handled delicately.
“Trade shall be encouraged, but restricted. We do not wish to take from your Earth without giving, but special care must be taken to ensure that Earth is not exposed to technology that they have not yet invented. I shall need you to tell me something about your technology so that I know how it runs and what we can expect and can safely bring to your planet’s surface.
“We wish to do this as peacefully as possible. You two, females, will know best the way to approach your people without alarming or insulting them. I shall need you to think of the best way to do this.
“It would be ideal if there was a singular person that can speak for the Earth.
Similar to the representatives of the Coalition – though, of course, Earth shall not have a seat.
If they meet the standards for membership, as I imagine they will strive to do after becoming a protectorate, having that person already established as a power will help for a smoother transition and, on the whole, will make the entire process of first contact easier.
If you can think of a person or role that might be suited to this, it would make the approach easier.
“Also, Havali, the domini and ratchi will need to get in contact and establish a team. You will work together to plan, fund, and arrange everything necessary for the trip and the contact. Begin drafting your plans for this so that I may approve of them.”
“It will be done,” Havali said. His mind was already ahead of him, thinking of everything that would be needed.
He had to get into contact with First Voice Survii – he was the domini in charge of communicating with foreign species and would, therefore, be in charge of this mission.
He also needed to talk to Haviss about who he would be sending to fulfill the same role.
But until then, he could begin the necessary preparations himself.
“During the approach to Earth, if they desire to be a protectorate, they must agree to certain conditions that you have promised the Coalition. Specifically: you have promised us your culture, a learning opportunity, and the ability to take mates from Earth. You must think of ways to present this to your leadership in a way that they will accept. We will trade for culture – though of course, with the proper restrictions. We will want to explore human reproduction, to see how fertile your people truly are and if you cross with more species. We do not wish to forcibly take mates from your planet, but we want the option for mating to be available. These are the things you have promised us. The Coalition will be expecting it now.”
“Right,” Scarlet said, a strange look crossing over her face. But Alanna was nodding confidently.
“Earth will be allowed to have a say in how these things occur. We certainly do not want to force you to do something you do not wish, but these are the promises you have made. They must be kept.”
“We understand,” Alanna assured them, smiling.
“It is a lot to think about,” the Imperium said. “But I assume you want this done quickly.”
“If I may?” Alanna leaned forward.
“Yes?”
“Is there any way we can contact someone on Earth before we come? My uncle is a leader on Earth. If I can find some way to comm him, we can give him a heads up about what is about to happen. It would make things easier than if we just appeared and caused mass panic. Earth doesn’t know that aliens exist. At least, not a huge civilization like this.
That’s considered something that only the fringe, crazies would believe.
If I could somehow alert them beforehand, it would make things easier. ”
The High Imperium sat there silently for a long minute before their robot spoke again, “This might be possible. We will need the coordinates that the domini have obtained. I do not know, exactly, what style of technology your people use for communication, but we will likely be able to adapt ourselves to it and allow you to contact them. We will need the method you would use to contact him.”
“His phone number. Sure. I can give you that.” Alanna smiled, leaning back in her seat. “Thank you, High Imperium.”
“If that is all, I will let you seek out your beds.”
“Actually,” Scarlet spoke up, leaning forward, “I have a question.”
“Yes, female?”
“Did you truly change your mind just because of Peony’s birth?”
“My mind was not changed, female. My vote would have been one of approval even before that moment changed the minds of others.”
Scarlet frowned, sitting back.
“What’s wrong?” Havali asked, looking at her.
“I guess, I’m still just having trouble understanding. Or, maybe, I guess, accepting? What if no other females from Earth want to become mates to the aliens? What if they say no? What if they’re not willing to give up their side of this bargain?”
“We merely want to give them the option,” Havali said, touching her shoulder gently.
“It’s not a trade. No female, or male, shall be forced to take a mate they do not want.
That is what we are trying to prevent. And we know that you are worth more than your ability to reproduce.
There’s nothing saying that humans can’t contribute more than that. ”
Scarlet gave him a grateful smile before turning back to the High Imperium. “I’ll be sure to phrase it properly so no one on Earth thinks it’s a requirement or that they need to trade females for technology or protection.”
The High Imperium’s face and body was completely hidden, yet somehow Havali could sense the anger and unease from within the long robes.
They had clearly not anticipated the direction Scarlet’s thoughts had gone.
Though they couldn’t see any part of them, it was clear they were just as disturbed as he had been.
“If your Earth attempts to make such a deal, we will be the ones insulted,” the calm, robotic voice said, a direct contrast to the seething energy coming from the Imperium. “Such a thing is akin to slavery and that is a high crime amongst the Coalition.”
Scarlet looked startled that her suggestion would invoke such an angry response. Havali gently stroked the back of her neck, silently assuring her that the Imperium’s anger wasn’t directed at her, merely the idea she alluded.
“We will get to work on this right away,” Havali assured the Imperium. “I will send a message to Elder Haviss the moment we leave so we can begin immediately.”
“I wish for Earth to receive the invitation as soon as possible. No doubt, there are already those who are searching for this small planet in order to exploit it and its females. This must be prevented at all costs. Do you understand, Representative Havali?”
“Perfectly,” he saluted them, the resolution hardening in his heart.