Chapter 40 #2
“He had technology that we don’t even understand,” I answer.
“He pulled materials out of thin air using pocket dimensions. He repaired our ship in a matter of minutes, and he did more than fix it. He gave us upgrades. I’m sure you noticed our ship was a little more advanced than a normal Intergalactic Alliance transport. ”
“We don’t keep up with the Intergalactic Alliance’s technological advancements,” a senator says. “We’re not competing with them. We have most of what we need here, and everything else can be acquired through trading.”
“Does any of your technology allow you to set your eyes or hands on fire?” Avery asks. “Because that’s what Morlock could do, and everyone on Mallow worships him as a god. He’s been around longer than the Intergalactic Alliance. His civilization discovered the secret of immortality.”
“Immortality?” President Haggard scoffs. “First you tell us Cosmic Influence is because of clones, and now you’re telling us there are immortal beings?”
“To quote Morlock,” I say, leaning forward. “Age is just a number when you can manipulate the cells in your body.”
“I knew there was something you were hiding, but I didn’t expect this,” President Haggard mutters. “Okay, well, while this is quite enlightening, it doesn’t change the fact that we’re here to decide if we will take your people in as refugees.”
“Before you make your decision, there’s one thing I’d like to add, unless you have further questions,” Ivar says.
President Haggard looks around the group of senators. Some of them look visibly shaken. A few are interacting with their Viking Touches. It doesn’t seem like there are more questions.
“Go ahead.” President Haggard nods.
“Something has been bothering me, so this is more of a question,” Ivar says. “You said you have an agreement with the Intergalactic Alliance to take in refugees from Viking worlds, correct?”
“We do,” President Haggard replies.
“Including those with Fenrir’s Mark. You called us brothers because we have it,” Ivar continues. “Yet you said the Intergalactic Alliance has never brought you any refugees who have it.”
“That is correct,” President Haggard says.
“That seems intentional, considering that the Intergalactic Alliance told us Fenrir’s Mark was why they wouldn’t save us. Why they left our children to die horrible deaths from the plague,” Ivar says. “How many other worlds have faced extinction level events? How many more Midgards have perished?”
“According to the Intergalactic Alliance archives, this is Midgard 13. Ours is 21. There are no other Midgards in their archives,” I add. “But they didn’t start counting with 13, and they probably didn’t stop at 21.”
“We’ve had refugees from some, yes. Even a few worlds they didn’t call Midgard, where Viking descendants were found,” President Haggard says. “But I will admit it is troubling. We pay little attention to the things that occur outside of our sphere of control.”
“I don’t know the real reason, but the Intergalactic Alliance does not seem to care for those with Fenrir’s Mark,” Ivar says. “They’d rather watch children die than save them, just because they’re from a world where Fenrir’s Mark was considered a blessing.”
“That could be our fault,” President Haggard sighs.
“We hadn’t evolved as much as we have now when we first encountered the Intergalactic Alliance.
We were quick to attack. And they were no match for us on the ground.
Their weapons could slow us down, but they couldn’t kill our wolves.
Not until they developed more powerful ones. ”
“Even their lasers can’t stop a wolf if you know how to counter them,” Sigurd growls.
President Haggard speaks to the senators and we can’t make out what they’re saying, but the discussion seems to have some heated opinions. He finally says something that seems to please them all and leans forward.
“You’ve given us a lot to think about,” President Haggard says. “We planned to make a decision now, but we need to discuss this further. This special session is adjourned. You will have our answer soon.”
“Thank you, President Haggard,” Ivar says. “And thank you to the members of the senate.”
We have been dismissed, and the senators are still talking amongst themselves, so we get up from our seats. Ivar helps Avery stand, then we move to the exit. I glance back at the senators, trying to get a feel for the direction they’re leaning, but it’s hard to get a good read on them.
“Well, that could have gone better,” Ivar mutters once we’re outside.
“They asked and we were honest with them,” Sigurd growls. “Not our fault they thought they were sitting on top of the universe and now they’ve been knocked down a few pegs.”
“Anyone would have that reaction,” I say.
“Even if they don’t believe the bones belong to former gods, they thought they were special.
Thought this was the planet the gods that other civilizations worship called home.
Now they realize they’re just one of many worlds seeded by Morlock and his people. ”
“I hope I didn’t speak out of turn. I wanted to offer my input, since they were so worried about mates,” Avery says.
“No, you were honest, just like we were. They eliminated the mating bond, but that doesn’t mean it was the right decision.
I’m sure they have some dissidents who feel the same way,” I reassure her.
“Our people will agree to their terms if given an opportunity to do so. It’s not like we have any other options. ”
“No, we really don’t,” Ivar sighs. “Maybe I should have been more honest with President Haggard when he showed me the bones, but I guess I wasn’t as impressed as I should have been. They were just bones… I already knew they weren’t gods.”
“Either way, it’s out of our hands now.” I shrug.
We’ve pleaded our case. We’ve answered their questions.
Now we just have to hope for the best.