“There, now we can begin properly,” Alyra declared, seating herself cross-legged upon a plush cushion on the floor of the main building in the barracks. Though the Cauthan did not have much in the way of fabric or cloth, especially for non-garment related purposes, they had plenty of leather and sinew. Being tougher than erulass fiber, leather could be stuffed fuller with more abrasive materials, and even the relatively prim and pampered Alyra swore by leather cushions. Thantis even had a scroll in his archives documenting the one time Alyra’s former master had traded for an opulent cloth cushion from the eastern coastal cities. It had not lasted very long.
“We could have started earlier,” Ratha informed her.
“I notice you didn’t deny a cushion when offered,” the priestess of the Twins pointed out, calmly looking at her claws.
“I would have been fine standing.”
“Alright, break it up you two. Sorry I don’t have much furniture in here but I’m only one Cauthan,” Staroth explained. “Alyra, thank you for the padding. And Nerazek, any chance you could finish those last couple houses so Antoth can get his temple?”
“Sure, Staroth!” Nerazek replied jovially. “I shall inform my guildsmen that they’re to report to the temple before Seil rises each day and that we’ll be putting all of our repair and winter preparation on hold so that the seven of us have a comfortable place to sit.”
“Is it just me or did our beloved smith just grow some arm feathers,” Staroth joked, looking Antoth’s way. Though a former guardsman himself, the panther-like leader of the village was not currently in a mood for humor.
“Oh yes, very funny. I shall remind you of this moment each time you complain about something in the future, if this is to be a feminine trait,” Gentia insisted, standing up for her gender before Antoth called for order. Unlike the rest of them he had gone without a seat and stood at his place in the circle of priests.
“I am glad to see you are all in good spirits. So long as we are here, are there any items that should be discussed before we talk about Veera’s cubs? Gentia, how is the granary holding up?”
“The disciples of Tyrdus finished their work this past cycle, Antoth. The roof is secured and sealed, rotten wood has been replaced, and all gaps have been dealt with. My acolytes have cleaned the floors and checked for infestations. A couple sacks of dato needed to be disposed of but we caught it before the fungi could spread. They were not the edible variety, sadly. We are ready for the harvest.”
Antoth nodded and hummed approvingly. “And those expecting cubs this year?”
“I will allow our esteemed Huntress to speak for herself,” Gentia chuckled, resting her cane across her lap. “But Asha is in good health, as are the other young ones who managed to conceive shortly after last year’s harvest festival. We should have five new cubs from them. Staroth, your mate is due for a check in with us soon.”
“I’ll remind her. Thank you, Gentia,” the Guardian bowed her way, his voice serious now that they were discussing the future generation.
“You are welcome, Staroth. The young ones are maturing healthily as well. He was rather difficult to bring into the world, but Merat’s son is healthy and active, as are the others his age. Ketra is doing as well as could be expected but none have come forward to adopt her, and I have yet to receive an answer from the human’s leader on the subject.”
“Good, that means they know when to stay out of affairs that don’t concern them,” Ratha said, an approving edge to her voice.
“So it would be best if Ketra grows up without parents?” Gentia countered just as sharply.
“I will speak to the human Admiral,” Antoth interrupted forcefully. “Regardless of what his answer is to the question, he did promise us an answer. I am glad to hear so much good news from you, Gentia. I just hope our luck does not run out. Thantis?”
“My apprentice and I have been reviewing herbs, fungi, and various other ingredients with Alice. She has gathered much for us and has been documenting their uses, applications, and the proper recipes for various brews, poultices, and medicines. Spirit Io joins us on occasion to catalog the information. When the snows fall she has suggested a conversion of all our scrolls to… oh what did she call it?” The elder scratched his chin thoughtfully, his spectacles reflecting the torchlight from outside thanks to his position within the circle. The interior of the barracks was lit by one of the human lanterns. Without the need for heat from fires, it made no sense not to rely on the brilliant, white light. “Digital! Yes, that’s what she said, digital format.”
“And what is that, exactly?” Alyra wondered. Thantis scratched the gray hairs of his chin.
“It is difficult to explain because it is not one thing, more like an idea.”
“These humans make my head spin, even if they have a decent sense of fashion at times,” the priestess of the Twins lamented as Thantis tried again.
“When I was aboard their ship, I was allowed to use some of their technology, including one of the devices that makes information digital. I spoke to the device and at the touch of a finger it repeated my words back to me. But it was not just my voice. It also transcribed what I had said into runes, before translating those runes into the human system of writing. It was as though the device was able to present my thoughts in whatever manner best suited the user. How I yearn for one myself!”
“Perhaps I shall add that to the list of questions for the humans,” Antoth suggested humorously. “I admit that sounds like a handy little contraption.”
“Add a couple suits of that armor while you’re at it,” Staroth suggested half-seriously. The village leader considered the idea thoughtfully.
“Perhaps I will. Spirit Io managed to procure one for herself. Perhaps such a thing is possible. No offense Thantis, but I believe if the humans are willing, defenses should take precedent.”
“Under other circumstances I might choose to debate with you the power of knowledge and ideas over the more martial considerations of life however, as things stand, I cannot fault your priorities, Antoth.”
“Did I miss something, mate of mine? Spirit Io is just that, a spirit. What do you mean she was armored?” Gentia’s question produced a most unique situation, namely Thantis and Antoth having a shared secret. That secret had, inevitably, been spilled on account of their honest nature. Antoth scratched the back of his head.
“Spirit Io walked on Mara several days ago to pay her respects to the fallen humans on the anniversary of their death. I sensed that doing so was uncomfortable for her, and she returned to the skies shortly thereafter. She concealed the majority of her form with her own suit of mystical armor.”
“That is a shame,” Gentia remarked sadly, taking Thantis’ hand in hers. “I would have very much liked to speak with her face to face.”
“One day, my dear,” her husband comforted her. “If I know that spirit at all, and I believe I do just a bit, she feels the same. Not to mention she is just as headstrong about getting what she wants as the human she protects.”
“While this is utterly fascinating, perhaps we’ve gotten off track?” Nerazek proposed, tapping a claw on the wooden floor of the barracks before clearing his throat. “We have ample supplies of animal products, Antoth, on account of Ratha’s hunters and Winters. It’s not a surplus, per se, but we should have enough to see us through to another spring.”
“Very good. Thank you Nerazek,” Antoth nodded. “Staroth? Anything I don’t already know?”
“No sir. There were fewer new recruits this year. I think we all expected that,” the Guardian reported. Concerned nods and ruffling of feathers could be seen around the circle of priests. “I’m just glad Winters is still here.”
“Yes, I’ll be sure to ask about that armor. Alyra?”
“We should have an average harvest of erulass, Antoth. There isn’t as much hyrven as last year, perhaps on account of the human no longer feeling the need to impress his mate, but we have ursae pelts left over. They have kept remarkably well. We will be fine when the spring comes. Losing Asha for a cycle or two isn’t ideal, but I can’t wait to see that little fluff ball of hers. She says it will be a girl!”
“That’s what the humans say,” Gentia corrected, turning her nose up slightly.
“What’s wrong, Gentia? Not so fun when the spear is in the other hand?” Ratha asked triumphantly. Antoth allowed his head to roll back in frustration but his fellows seemed to take a bit of joy in his difficult position.
“Oh here and there, Huntress, but I do not deny help when it is offered. If they save even a single life it will be worth my occasionally guessing wrong.”
“I think I’ve had enough of this little pastime,” Antoth declared. “We will wish Asha well, along with all of those who are expecting this year and who carry the future of our people within them. Now, on that subject, what is to be done about Veera?”
Antoth’s question brought silence to the priests, who glanced at one another as if to ask who would speak first. Alyra was amenable to kicking things off. “Nerazek and I spoke about this a few times since we last met. We are not in favor of announcing Veera’s pregnancy to the broader public Antoth.”
“That being said, we are also not in favor of forbidding relationships between unmated females and humans should the situation arise naturally, as with Veera and Winters,” the chief priest of Tyrdus amended. Alyra nodded in agreement while Antoth hummed a quick acknowledgment of their opinion. A cool gust of wind blew in from the training yard, heralding colder nights, the prelude of winter, and the coming of the harvest.
“Staroth?”
“You’re asking the wrong Cauthan, Antoth. But I would throw my lot in with Alyra and Nerazek. It just doesn’t seem right to actively encourage such things, nor to speak on Veera’s behalf about her own cubs.”
Antoth lowered his head and mulled things over. “Hmm, very well. It appears that even if Thantis, Gentia and I are of like minds we are overruled, and I don’t feel the need to invoke Seil in this matter. Gentia, what are your feelings on this proposal?”
The elderly female had a conciliatory expression on her face, her usual confident humor stashed away for the time being. “Whatever Winters and Veera did or did not do, it took many cycles for them to conceive. Perhaps it is indeed prudent to not give our unpaired females such hope in an official capacity. That being said, all of us should be prepared to offer guidance on this matter, and we should be united in that advice. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it sounds to me like we are in favor of encouraging or at least accepting relationships with human partners as a last resort. I feel the need to remind everyone of the political angle of this discussion. Veera is unique, and if she were to depart with her mate I don’t think much would change. The same would not be true of others in the village.”
“No arguments there,” Ratha agreed. “That doesn’t mean it will stop them from leaving, if that is your aim.”
“No, it does not,” Gentia allowed her the point. “But it will give us something to rely upon other than the compassion that, up until now, the humans have seemed willing to provide in ample amounts. My suspicion is that this is primarily because what they have given us so far, while revolutionary or life changing from our perspective, amounts to trinkets to them.”
“How very shrewd, Gentia,” the Huntress fluffed her feathers approvingly. The Mother snorted humorlessly.
“You think me soft because I embrace the gifts of the humans, Ratha. That is understandable, but I have lived longer than even they have. Nothing is ever given for free. I only suspect that what has been given to us is a pittance for a people who can traverse the stars.”
“Yes, and Winters got himself a mate and cubs in the deal,” Antoth chuckled, a bit more pleased at that particular outcome. “So that settles it then? We are in agreement? We will allow Veera’s pregnancy to play out and, in the event that an unpaired female wishes to mate with a human, we will support it?”
“Support is a bit difficult,” Ratha insisted, causing Antoth to groan audibly. “Oh hush, you. I never said I would reject it either. It will be tolerated at a minimum, if only to negotiate with the humans as you detailed. But mark my words here and now. I would not be surprised if a year or two from now we find ourselves meeting again because some deadbeat human father decided to abandon his mate and cub in favor of home.”
An uncomfortable silence fell around the council as they acknowledged the possibility of Ratha’s worst case scenario coming to pass. Antoth moved them on with a firm tone. “If that comes to pass we will deal with it then. Does anyone else have items that need to be discussed so long as we are here?”
“Have you thought of your speech for the harvest festival yet?” Gentia wondered, a smile and mischievous glint of the eye returning to her features. Antoth furrowed his brow her way.
“No.”
“Well start thinking then, my dear! I, for one, cannot wait to hear a former Guardian officially bless the young couples of the harvest,” she insisted, leaning against Thantis with a contented smile. Ratha sniggered while Staroth offered the village leader a sympathetic look.
“Comes with the territory,” he shrugged.
“As does this,” Antoth insisted. “You’re all dismissed. Selah.”
-----
“Mmm, that’s right. I guess I will be turning twenty eight soon,” Alice recalled, sitting around Sentaura’s cooking fire with Lachlan, the lady of the house, and Ursol. She’d been splitting time between their place and her brother’s, not wanting to intrude too heavily on the couple who had just learned that even on Mara surprise pregnancies were a thing. The topic of her age had come up on account of Ursol’s birthday, which was also fast approaching. He, like most Cauthan cubs, was a fall baby. “Maybe I can get approval from Natori to bring some cake down here!”
“If the wee laddie starts bouncin’ off the ceiling it’ll be you who runs him ragged, lassie,” Lachlan insisted with a smile at her and then a nod at Ursol himself. After about an hour of ‘hunter games’, he was content to sit politely and enjoy his evening meal, his legs still not reaching the ground from the chair.
“I am rather envious, to be twenty eight and still feel as though you have your whole life ahead of you? What a wonderful notion,” Sentaura mused, causing Lachlan’s smile to fade a bit and Alice to rack her brain for some way to politely move the topic on. She was saved by the rapping of Antoth’s knuckles against the wooden door frame of the house, the burly Cauthan made known mainly by his armor and clothing reflecting the firelight as he poked his head inside. His coat was perfect for nocturnal camouflage.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
“Ah good, you are here. Sentaura, I apologize for the interruption.”
“Nonsense, high priest. Selah and welcome to our home. May I offer you something to eat?” the matron asked politely, standing and bowing to him. Ursol stayed silent out of respect and likely a bit of fear, but waved from where he was seated. Antoth smiled and waved back.
“That won’t be necessary, Sentaura. Ratha and I will be taking our own meal together shortly, and I’m sure you can understand that no matter how delightful your own cooking I would be in a difficult situation were I to accept your hospitality. Besides, it looks like you already have two guests. Meylith bless your home. And how are you, little one?”
“Ursol, Antoth asked how you’re doing. Answer him,” Sentaura advised her son with a kind but firm voice.
“I-I’m good!” Ursol replied. His mother patted him on the knee.
“And what do you say when someone is kind to you and asks how you’re doing?”
“Thank you!”
“Ah, you are very welcome,” Antoth responded with an equally gentle voice, something he was not particularly known for among his compatriots in the town guard. “I am glad to hear you’re doing well, young man. Would you mind if I speak with Lachlan and Alice for a moment?”
“Lachlan plays hunter games with me!” Ursol informed Antoth, the initial shock of having his home visited by the sun priest and being spoken to directly having worn off a bit. Sentaura looked ready to shush him, but Antoth widened his eyes slightly and nodded his head in an exaggerated motion.
“Is that right? Those must be some very fun games if you’re playing with one of the humans. They are excellent hunters. May I speak to Lachlan? There’s something I need to ask him,” Antoth explained. Alice remained seated and politely tried not to squeak or squeal at how cute the situation was. It was easy enough to refocus, however, when Ursol gave Antoth ‘permission’ to talk to the Marine, nodding quickly before returning to his meal.
“Lachlan, Alice, you’re well?” the priest asked.
“Yes, thank you,” Alice affirmed.
“What do ya need from us, boss?” Lachlan wondered curiously as both Alice and Antoth got a chuckle out of the proposed title. She privately admitted that the Cauthan would likely look excellent in a 1920’s mobster suit, or perhaps something more modern like a stereotypical Yakuza’s garb.
“I would like to speak with your Admiral, immediately if possible,” the Cauthan explained in a voice that, while insistent, did not indicate anything amiss.
“We can use the comms array at my place if you prefer? I need to head back anyway,” Alice offered, having finished her meal prior to Antoth’s arrival. He seemed amenable to the suggestion, so she handed off her bowl to Lachlan and stood, dusting off her pants. “Need anything from the ship?”
“I was just up there yesterday, but thanks Alice,” Lachlan replied. “You take care on yer way home now.”
“Something tells me I’ll be just fine given who will be accompanying me,” she said with a wink and a wave at Ursol. “Thank you for the meal, Sentaura. It was wonderful as always.”
“Selah to you, and you as well, Antoth,” Ursol’s mother replied. Both bowed quickly before exiting into the night, with Alice bringing her hands to her arms and rubbing them quickly for a moment.
“Is something the matter?” Antoth couldn’t help but ask as they began their journey through the smaller streets of the village, quickly arriving at the main arterial road and turning east.
“No no, I’m just not quite used to how cold it gets at night now. Happens every year even on my home planet. I think I just get sad that summer is leaving and don’t want to accept it. I have a couple of sweaters back on the ship I can have brought down here. That and it was an abrupt change from the warmth of the fire. I don’t have a nice fur coat like you, after all.”
“It may not be the same thing, but you are welcome to trade for a cloak at one of the temples. Knowing you, I’m sure you will be able to procure something of equal value to exchange,” the Cauthan said. Alice bobbed her head at his choice of words.
“I have no intention of swindling anyone, promise! Might take you up on that offer though. I wasn’t allowed to bring too much on board the Event Horizon, and winter clothing was bottom of the list. Can’t say I was expecting to spend any amount of time on an Earth-like world. Do you need Natori for anything important? Er, wait, nevermind. It’s not like the two of you chat over tea every Sunday, right? Of course it’s important,” she explained more to herself than him, speaking rather quickly as she tried to tamp down a mild case of nerves. Antoth was an imposing figure by nature, even if he wasn’t upset about something.
“Hmm.” Antoth’s low hum was sufficient to convey that he wasn’t wasting her time. That was not what he decided to focus on, however. “And what are your thoughts about our world, given you did not expect it?”
“Where do I even start?” Alice demanded of the night sky, where the twin moons glowed brightly. “I am constantly in awe of you and your people. It is humbling to see with my own eyes the sort of everyday struggles that my ancestors were forced to endure too, just to survive. Food, clothing, heat, water; every single one of those items I have taken for granted almost my entire life. I still have that option today, in a way. They’re sitting right up there in orbit.”
“Though it is perhaps painful to hear it from a being as delicate as you, I do not disagree,” Antoth replied in a deep, even keel. “Before you continue, allow me to extend my thanks. While the goals of your superiors are inscrutable, you have conducted yourself in accordance with our laws, and you have rendered aid to Xan and Thantis most of all. I understand that you are helping to preserve some of his knowledge for future generations. That is a worthy goal… assuming we survive.”
“This is really out of place, but can I say something?” Alice wondered as they came upon the main square. The bleached, skeletal visage of the ursae skull dominated the southern view, casting ominous shadows by torch and lantern light. Cycles of carvings by various Cauthan from the temple of the Twins had turned it into something of a tribal piece of art, but it was still first and foremost her brother’s trophy and greatest triumph. Antoth was looking at it as well, his palm resting on his blade’s pommel, as it so often did out of habit.
“You may speak freely, Alice.”
The young woman took a deep breath and gave Antoth the respect of looking him in his light gray eyes. They almost glowed in the moonlight, and she couldn’t help but feel like prey. Eons old survival instincts died hard, apparently. “When I first got here my brother and Io almost immediately began talking about breaking the rules, about uplifting your people to be like us. I thought he was being headstrong and foolish, like he usually is. But I agree with him now. I think we should take every last one of you with us when we leave this planet, preserve your religion, culture, traditions, crops, whatever else we need to do, and let your people choose how they want to live. I’m sure we could find somewhere on Earth where you could live like this if you wanted, just with a bit more modernity at arms length. Or you could have your children go to school instead of working the fields. I think… I think that the young ones especially could compete academically with humans, become doctors or scholars or engineers. I don’t want to promise anything because it’s not like my life is just one uninterrupted hedonistic pleasure cruise. I have plenty of problems, I guess. But starvation, murder, natural disaster, disease… those aren’t among them. I’m sorry, my brother being a dad has just gotten me thinking about a lot. Like how he’s the youngest and will have children first, even if they’re little balls of alien fluffy cuteness!” Alice was forced to pause her diatribe and emit a small squeal at the idea of her brother cradling a swaddled ball of fur in the crook of his arm. Antoth saw fit to join her.
“He is young, but I believe he will make an excellent father. He is strong in mind and body, willing to stand against the majority if he thinks it is proper, and has provided for Veera from the day she allowed him into her life. I am curious, as I suspect my opinion of him contrasts sharply with yours, but he will be ready.”
“Sometimes I find it hard to believe you haven’t been Sun Priest your whole life, Antoth. You come across as very wise. Maybe that’s why I felt compelled to say what I did? I’m not sure,” Alice admitted, returning her gaze to the dirt streets below as they walked on. Antoth produced another one of those contemplative rumblings from deep within his throat.
“I have had excellent teachers over the years Alice Winters, Mara most of all. She is cruel and beautiful. What you suggest is difficult for me to even comprehend."
"You aren't the only one," Alice assured him. "I've considered discussing such things officially with the Admiral but every time I consider what I should say or how I should frame it, it comes out different. I'm not sure anyone could say what would come out of uplifting your people like we were."
"What do you mean, like you were?" Antoth asked sharply.
"I thought my brother and Io told you? Before the Ghaelen found us we were just beginning to explore space around our own star. We were catapulted forward technologically, and ended up as galactic enforcers for the so called pacifists."
"That part I was aware of," Antoth clarified. "The first part not so much. Would you say that the experience changed your people?"
"I mean of course it did in some ways, but honestly? Not really," Alice replied with ease. "If anything, I'd say making contact with the Ghaelen reminded us how important it is to hold onto our traditions and values. I don’t know how many humans could tell you what it means to be human, but they would all tell you that it’s vital."
"So Ratha isn't so far off the mark, is she?" Antoth mused. "I had many things to consider before now, Alice, but our conversation has given me that much more to think about. I would appreciate it if you would at least raise the question with your Admiral Kaczynski. He will have to consider it sooner or later."
“That’s a pretty big ask,” Alice pointed out the obvious. To her surprise, Antoth seemed amused by her characterization. They had just arrived outside Alice’s humble abode, which glowed from within on account of her various appliances, data storage devices, and other tools she'd acquired over the few weeks she’d been living on the planet.
“Perhaps it is, yes. But I suspect he will see it as no more or less grand than Gentia encouraging him to essentially abduct one of our orphaned cubs. If you could signal for him now?” he requested.
“Right away, Antoth. Let’s see, outgoing call, Event Horizon bridge,” Alice murmured to herself, selecting what was, in effect, Natori’s speed dial. A pleasant, steady pinging emanated from the communications array’s interface panel. They waited as the connection to the satellite network was established and the call was routed via non-emergency channels to the bridge. As they stood in the dark, a surprise in the form of Io’s holographic face appeared on the display.
‘Good evening you two. What’s an interesting duo such as yourselves doing ringing the Admiral at this hour?’ she wondered, the German accent lending her question an air of accusation.
“None of your beeswax, Io,” Alice responded cheekily. “But if you must know, Antoth needs to chat with Natori.”
“Good evening to you, spirit Io. Are things perhaps dull at home?” the Cauthan wondered.
‘It’s been a while since they spent so much time snuggling,’ Io admitted, her feelings on the matter indiscernible from her tone or expression. ‘And the whole belly rubbing thing is certainly new.’
“Ah, so you’re playing fourth wheel now?” Alice deduced with a chuckle.
‘Fifth wheel, dear Alice. Twins, remember? At least Fenrir never managed to unseat me despite his fluffiness and tendency to prefer scritches to violence. Oh, that’s the Admiral. Gute nacht for now.’
Io promptly vanished and the screen flashed, displaying the interior wall of Natori’s personal cabin that sat directly behind his desk. The dark skinned man was dressed casually, clearly anticipating a night, or at least a couple hours, to read in relative peace. His expression changed from worry to vibrant curiosity the moment he saw Alice and Antoth, neither of whom looked harried. “Miss Winters, Antoth, to what do I owe the pleasure this evening?”
“I will not take much of your time, Admiral. Thank you for receiving my message,” Antoth began diplomatically before delivering his request. “There are several items of varying importance that I wish to discuss with you personally, face to face if possible. I would also like to be updated on your progress in cultivating our crops, and your findings at the Forge.”
Natori needed but a moment to nod his head in concurrence. “It has been a little while since we last spoke. I would be happy to visit your village tomorrow, Antoth. I will bring Lance Corporal Rodrigo Mendes with me to deliver a report on the unknown installation, and we can check in remotely with Engineer Anita Prakash in the grow rooms. I believe that should cover things from my end?”
Antoth lowered his head in agreement. “That is acceptable. Thank you, Admiral. I will leave you to the rest of your evening. Selah.”
“And to you, Antoth. Alice, all is well?” Natori questioned, figuring he might as well since she was on the line.
“Huh? Ah, me? Yeah, all good Natori!” Alice stumbled, having tuned out for a moment as the two leaders had their little chat. “Uh, do you think I could sit in tomorrow?”
“As long as Antoth is amenable I don’t see why not. Farewell!”
“And there he goes,” Alice narrated, turning to Antoth. “I promise not to be an intrusion.”
“Will you propose to him what you suggested to me?” the Cauthan demanded. Alice seemed caught trying to determine the right answer. He provided it for her. “If so, you will be welcome. Have a good night, Alice Winters. And spirit Io, good night to you as well. I know you are still listening.”
‘Is nothing sacred?!’ the AI demanded, her cover blown.
“You, perhaps? Farewell,” Antoth answered, strolling off into the night to rejoin his own mate for dinner and rest.
-----
Natori Kaczynski was a man known for his cheery demeanor, and the next morning was no exception as he stepped off one of the Event Horizon’s shuttles along with Lance Corporal Mendes. With assurances that he would radio when he had concluded his business and that two fully armed HEL Jumpers and a Marine were plenty of protection while within the village walls, the Admiral sent Pilot Cromwell on her way. Awaiting him at the open west gate was Antoth, accompanied by Alice and Lachlan. The on duty guards stood at attention, their spears pointing skyward. Natori nodded to them both before greeting Antoth with a formal bow and ‘selah’.
“Will Lieutenant Winters be joining us?” he wondered.
“There are several items I would like to discuss first. We can send for them when discussion turns to the Forge?” Antoth proposed.
“Perfect, lead the way then. Good morning Alice, Private.”
“And ta you, sir,” Lachlan replied before addressing Alice. “You going along, Lassie? If so I’ll be headin’ out I suppose. Plenty ta do out there in the fields.”
“Fancy yourself a farmer and a soldier?” Alice asked approvingly. He chuckled.
“It’s got an old time charm to it, doesn’t it? The fun hasn’t worn off yet. With yer permission, Admiral?”
“I will be quite fine with Corporal Mendes, Private. By all means.” At Natori’s dismissal, Lachlan headed out the gates before turning north, while the rest of the group headed east towards the other side of the village. Staroth had politely volunteered the barracks’ main office for yet another function of Antoth’s official duties. Adequate seating had been provided for the human visitors, and the Admiral noticed the Cauthan leader looking Mendes over critically as they were seated. “Corporal, I will summon you when conversation turns to your work at the research site. Why don’t you enjoy a bit of Maran sunshine for now?”
“Of course, sir. I’ll be outside if you need me. Thought I saw a bench or two nearby,” Mendes replied, ever ready with his sketchbook to pass a bit of time. Antoth looked respectfully at Natori when Mendes was out of earshot.
“Thank you. I do not have anything personal against him; I simply do not know him well.”
“I assure you there’s no offense taken,” Natori replied, leaning back in his chair in an effort to lend the conversation a relaxed atmosphere, at least to begin. “Perhaps you would like to start Antoth? What is on your mind?”
Sitting behind his old desk for the first time in months, Antoth laced his fingers together and gathered his thoughts. “A great many things, but let us start with an old conversation. Over a cycle ago, before you went on your expedition to gather resources from Kel’s realm, Gentia proposed the adoption of one of our orphans by human parents.”
“It was more of a demand, from my perspective,” Natori corrected, though his smile did not leave his face. “She cares deeply for her charges.”
“That she does. And she does not forget such things either,” Antoth warned. “Have you an answer?”
“I do, of course. The answer is no,” Natori provided, clasping his hands gently over his lap as Xan poked his head in the door. The gentle clack of his bone cane against the wooden floor heralded his arrival. The Admiral waved merrily as Alice watched Antoth nervously. The Cauthan did not seem pleased, though she was unsure if it was because of Natori’s willful defiance or the fact that Gentia had not gotten her wish.
“Pardon the interruption, Antoth. We heard the meeting was underway and Thantis asked if you need a scribe or tea or both.”
“Admiral?” Antoth passed the question on tersely.
“I am quite well hydrated and I have this here to record our conversation, if you would like,” the Admiral explained, plucking his personal device from his hip where it rested opposite the man’s sidearm. “I do not mind a backup, if Thantis would like to join us. It was a pleasure hosting him aboard our vessel for the mining mission.”
“Yes I daresay he felt the same,” Antoth recalled before answering Xan directly. “Please send for Thantis and a blank scroll. I believe we will suffice without tea today.”
“Sure, I’ll be back in a bit. Morning, Alice,” Xan greeted her before seeking out his master.
“Oh right, good morning!” She responded quickly, having been brought out of her own thoughts by his words. While the young xenobiologist had not expected the morning to be a frolic through a metaphorical field of flowers, she had also not anticipated Natori and Antoth crossing spears right off the bat. Their polite and reserved mannerisms only made it worse from her perspective. She wanted to believe that the introduction of Thantis and Xan might relieve some of the pressure, but that hope was dashed the moment the elder death priest and acting scribe requested a review of prior events.
“Yes, the Admiral was just preparing to explain to us why he intends to go back on his word regarding Gentia’s request for Ketra’s adoption,” Antoth explained in no uncertain terms. Xan, seated at the opposite side of the arc of chairs that lay before the sun priest’s desk, was perfectly positioned to make silent faces between himself and Alice. Both of them were ready to bolt for the exits. Natori, however, remained completely unflustered.
“Yes indeed. I admit that the Matron of Meylith, if you will, put me in a rather difficult position given Thantis’ desire to accompany us,” he said, making sure to remind those assembled that the decision to take the older Cauthan along had been a mutual one. “I see no need for evasion, Antoth, no need for such technicalities like pointing out the agreement was verbal in nature or that such stipulations were not part of our treaty. The reality is that Gentia’s demand, while made with nothing but the best intentions, would have been ruinous for that little cub as things currently stand.”
Antoth’s grunt of acknowledgement might have sounded threatening to those who did not know him well, but he swept his hand conciliatory in Natori’s direction. Alice sensed that Corporal Mendes might be finding himself with plenty of time to sketch. “Very well, Admiral Kaczynski. I’m listening.”