“Bonjour Admiral, how may I be of service this morning? I see you have yet to approve my request to attempt to replicate the twenty thirty seven burgundy vintage out of Cote du Beaune,” Gerard Dupuis greeted Natori. The Admiral had placed the call remotely as he and Io prepared themselves for the journey down to the village on Cromwell’s shuttle.
“Gerard, my friend, surely we have been over this before?” Natori replied pleasantly, indulging the Frenchman’s good humor. “There is a strict policy against the use of the fabricators and replicators to duplicate controlled substances.”
“You would lump one of my country’s finest vintages in with cheap cigarettes and stimulants? It is art! What of that coffee you drink every morning, Mr. Kaczynski?” the older researcher argued adamantly, his moustache animated in his reply. Natori let out a hearty chuckle and shook his head as Io appeared on one of the monitors in the lab.
‘He’s got a point, Admiral. Bon matin, Gerard. I’m just checking up on our latest tissue cultures,’ she told him. The Admiral sat straight in his chair, quickly looking back and forth between his fellow passenger and the screen. Upon closer inspection, he found that Io had placed her physical body into something of a sleep mode while she frolicked about the Event Horizon’s labs. He watched with subtle fascination as her ‘face’ relaxed in a position of rest and her chest rose and fell steadily.
“I see,” he murmured before returning to his conversation with Dr. Dupuis. “Well Gerard, if Io is on your side then perhaps there is some room for debate on the matter, but not right now. We are on our way to the surface at the moment to meet with the leaders of the Cauthan village, and I have a sneaking suspicion that the subject of conversation will be the proposed relocation of this small tribe to Earth. I need to understand the prospects for their nutrition and our ability to meet those needs.”
“I was wondering how long it would be before you informed me why you’ve requested all of these metabolic analyses. It would have helped immensely if I’d been allowed to study an actual Cauthan, but I digress,” Gerard complained mildly, letting Natori know just how unreasonable it was to ask someone, or even a team of someones, to perform a full nutritional profile of a novel species using only sample foodstuffs and biopsies over the course of several weeks. “At the most fundamental level, I have good news. They are fully capable of producing their own nucleic acids, including x-nucleotides. The proteins are a more complicated situation.”
Natori leaned forward in his seat. “Go on.”
“I’m sure you’re familiar with the Miller-Urey experiment, among others?” Gerard queried.
“Experiments attempting to replicate the conditions of pre-biotic life, yes,” Kaczynski confirmed.
“Quite so. There are hundreds of naturally occurring amino acids floating around out there, many of which manifest themselves in such experiments but are seen rarely or never in terrestrial life. We only use twenty, after all, at least with respect to the translation system. Various statistical models that pre-date first contact predicted that life, if discovered elsewhere in the universe, would only share seventy five percent of their amino acid profile with our planet’s lifeforms at maximum,” the doctor explained.
“I never did get around to studying that particular aspect of Gorgon physiology,” Natori replied neutrally. “How do the Cauthan stack up?”
“Well, the fact that the young Winters was not forced to synthesize essential amino acid paste while on the planet accounts for nine of them, but we are concerned with the other direction now. Their genetic code has more letters than ours and their protein structure is comparatively complex. We are still working on the specifics but they appear to utilize somewhere between twenty five and twenty nine different amino acids. We don’t know which are essential, if any, at this time, but I hear they have some sort of chicken-like species they have domesticated? Keep them alive at all costs, Admiral. One of their eggs would also be appreciated for further study, unboiled if you will.”
“Keep the space chickens alive at all cost? I’ll be sure to remember that one,” Natori replied jovially as Io woke up and poked him in the ribs.
‘It’s hardly a joke, Natori.’
“Surely not! But you cannot help but appreciate the simplicity and irony of such things,” he countered. “Very well, Gerard. I will do my best to secure you an egg today while I am there. Let’s say they do require some amino acids that are not common enough in the human diet or on Earth to be adequate for their needs. What then?”
“Protein-based bioreactors should be easy enough, Admiral. We’ve been producing insulin that way for decades. I am sure that we can adapt either Terran or Maran bacteria or fungi to do the same. I have enjoyed my studies of the thermophilic bacteria from the hot pools immensely, and we should be able to isolate more than a few samples from Cauthan excrement,” Gerard posited. “Nucleotides would have been a bit more difficult ask, but not impossible. Those molecules tend to be less resilient to such processes.”
“Shall I protect the poop at all costs as well?” Kaczynski wondered with a childish smile that had Io groaning and Gerard looking a bit like a walrus as he debated whether to chuckle at the infantile joke or remain ‘presentable’.
“I believe protecting the source of the ‘poop’ will be more than sufficient, Admiral Kaczynski. Is there anything else you need?” Dr. Dupuis asked, politely indicating that he wished to return to his work for the day.
“No, that is a reassuring report. Thank you, Gerard,” Natori replied before killing the connection and looking over at Io as the turbulence of their descent through the atmosphere rattled the hull of the shuttle. “How long have you been waiting to use that sleep routine?”
‘I would ask if you look forward to showing off your ability to sleep, but somehow I feel that you’d reply in the affirmative,’ the AI said.
Natori nodded his head repeatedly at her assessment of himself. “I would indeed, Io. Long periods of restful sleep tend to be elusive for men like me, and I find myself wondering if there are times you cannot sleep, or perhaps times when you dream.”
‘I do seem to recall one moment where I felt compelled to interrupt Russell and Veera’s lovemaking on account of some simulations I was running,’ she recalled with a fond smile. ‘But I do not dream, certainly not of electric sheep. I am… not quite sure how I would go about that.’
“Another most interesting question for another time,” Natori concluded as they touched down on solid ground, stepping out of the shuttle to find both Antoth and Staroth waiting for them. The guardsman and former guardsman nodded their way as Natori bowed in greeting.
“Selah and good morning, Antoth. I was told that you wish to speak on important matters today.”
“Good morning to you as well, Admiral,” Antoth observed decorum. “Your Marine continues to be reliable when it comes to reaching you. Spirit Io, welcome back to our village. We are honored by your presence.”
‘Oh sweetie, you’ll make a girl blush,’ Io giggled, waving a hand at him as she replied in fluent Cauthan. ‘But I’m glad to be back. I figured that given the nature of today’s meeting, all sides might appreciate a live translator in addition to the program that I wrote way back when.’
“‘Scuse me, high priest. Coming though!” a Cauthan farmer called out, causing the four of them to move to the side of the gatehouse while he, his mate, and their two young children pulled and pushed a broad cart laden with dato and kina into the village.
“What do human cubs do if there is no farming that needs doing?” the guard captain wondered idly.
“Staroth, correct?” Natori began, wanting to be sure he remembered the head guardsman’s name properly. Most of his prior dealings had been with Antoth alone.
“Yeah, that’s me. And you’ll pardon my saying but I’ll need a bit more time to figure out how to pronounce yours,” the older, well built Cauthan responded.
“Ah, think nothing of it. Even some humans have difficulty. As for our children, they learn,” the Admiral explained simply with Io’s aid. The two martial Cauthan shared a short look, arms crossed over their chests. Antoth motioned that they should proceed inside the walls.
“Let’s be on our way then. There is much to discuss.”
-----
“Ah, how quaint,” Natori remarked in an upbeat tone as he ducked his head and stepped into the Temple of the Twins on the heels of Antoth and Staroth. Knowing Alyra and how she would likely take that bit of feedback, Io chose not to translate the comment. The Admiral immediately took note of Thantis and waved, along with four other priests with whom he was varyingly familiar. He greeted them all officially, so as not to ruffle any feathers, before speaking to the death priest directly. “It is good to see you again, my friend. How is that tablet treating you?”
“Welcome back to our village, Admiral. Things have been quite well. Thank you for asking,” Thantis replied. “It did cease to operate a couple of days ago, but consultation with Alice managed to remedy the situation. She was able to revive it somehow with a small… I forget the word. It was a rope of some kind that tethered it to the device outside of her home.”
“Ah, you simply ran out of power. I’m glad that our resident xenobiologist was able to help you. Gentia, I hope he hasn’t been up too late with it? You’re looking well today.”
“While I appreciate the flattery, human, it is likely not to your benefit in this forum. There have been some late nights of transcribing, but I find them to my liking,” she reported before pointing to an empty place around the circle. “Please be seated. And welcome, Spirit Io. We are graced by your presence.”
‘Now who’s flattering, my dear?’ Io replied respectfully before seating herself next to Natori. The Admiral was regarding the assembled Cauthan with unvarnished anticipation on his face.
“Are we waiting on anyone else?” he wondered. Antoth was about to reply in the negative when a pair of voices made themselves known just outside the carved wooden entryway.
“I mean yeah, I know where it is generally but I’ve never been here before! That dress you’re wearing wasn’t exactly commissioned, you know.”
“I am well aware, Russell, but we are already late, no doubt!” Veera scolded him before entering the temple, immediately finding Io around the circle and holding up a small, white ovoid in her hand. “Selah, high priests. As for you, Io, why exactly do you need a raw egg? And here, of all places?”
“Oh, that would be for me, thank you!” Natori declared, taking the breakfast gently from Veera and slipping it into a breast pocket. He smiled. “That ought to stop me from doing anything silly while I’m here.”
“Spirit Io?” Antoth made a stern request for explanation. The AI replied as she motioned for Veera and Winters to be seated as well, much to Ratha’s chagrin.
‘Given their relationship and history, I believe that this conversation might benefit from their presence and perspective. You are all assembled here to discuss moving this village to Earth, are you not?’ she asked, only just realizing that she might have put the cart before the horse.
“We are,” the sun priest agreed. “Council members?”
“I see no harm in letting them stay. The human is a fantastic customer!” Nerazek exclaimed, throwing a nod at Winters who returned it with a small grin.
“So long as they speak when spoken to. This is about us, not them,” Ratha reminded them all curtly. When no one voiced disagreement, Antoth took a moment to bring Natori up to speed.
“Admiral Kaczynski, last night the seven of us who are bound by the gods to lead, protect, and serve our people held council on the subject of Alice Winters’ proposal to…” he cast about for the best way to describe the migration. “Have us accompany you when you return to your world. There are those of us who are in favor and those who are not, but I refuse to allow any further debate on the subject until we have more from you and your people than suggestions, proposals, and promises. That is why I have asked you here today, to answer our questions on the record.”
Thantis took that moment to confirm that his tablet’s recording feature was working and made a verbal note. “Second full council meeting on the subject of possible relocation to Earth, the land of humans. The council is joined by Admiral Kaczynski and Russell Winters of the humans, Veera of our village, and Spirit Io. Please proceed, high priest.”
“I think I’ll allow the human to speak first, lest our questions obscure intent,” the former guardian declared wisely. All eyes turned to Natori as the tall, slim man cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses.
“As you wish, Antoth. Io, would you translate for us… without embellishment?” he finished sharply.
‘I will do my best, Admiral,’ the AI replied neutrally, leaving jest and joke for another time as Natori gathered his thoughts.
“Thank you very much. I believe it would be wise to start with why I am entertaining this idea in the first place. As the captain of the Event Horizon I am responsible for every life aboard it, human or otherwise. Taking the population of your village on board, let’s just round up to four hundred Cauthan, would be an immense undertaking and would place a strain on my ship’s resources. My logistics specialists confirm that such stresses would be within normal parameters for the vessel but, if something were to happen on the journey back to compromise the Event Horizon in some way, we would have far less room for error.”
He paused for a moment to allow Io to catch up and to gauge the reactions of the assembled priests. He smiled at their dour faces. “So why entertain the idealistic musings of a young woman, her brother, and his… spirit companion in the first place?”
‘Natori,’ Io groaned.
“If you would, please,” he gestured for her to translate, which she did after rolling her eyes at him. “Why indeed. Well let me assure you all here and now that my motivations are not altruistic in any way.”
Ratha made a sound somewhere between a scoff and a growl at that assertion but a stern look from Antoth stalled any further comment. Natori nodded gently her way before carrying on. “Antoth is aware of this, but humanity is subject to several treaties with another alien race, one more technologically advanced than either of us, the Ghaelen. They are nominally pacifists, but they have not displayed any compunctions about using humans to exert force over other races and planets where it suits them to do so. The one aboard our vessel has been… more understanding of the current situation than most, but humanity and the Ghaelen have previously agreed to not disturb primitive cultures such as your own. We have only done so because of the troubles at the Forge and, of course, one First Lieutenant Russell Winters.”
“I seem to recall this alien chesko only seeing reason when Spirit Io threatened to kill you all,” Antoth remarked dangerously. Natori held up a hand.
“I am not sure I would go quite that far, Antoth, but yes. To your point, foremost among my concerns is the beginning of an interstellar war or the destruction of my ship… or both. When we return home to Earth, reports on our activities here will be delivered to leaders of both humanity and the Ghaelen. In the event that more unreasonable members of either species demand that we break our treaty with you or otherwise resolve the question of your village in a not so pleasant way, I do not want to contemplate what Io would do in that event.”
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‘You mean turn every human capital ship in the system against the Ghaelen and then send picket ships to neighboring systems with orders to push them back to their homeworld and quarantine them there for their own good?’ Io replied in a sickeningly sweet voice. Natori swallowed heavily.
“Yes, that’s certainly one of many suboptimal scenarios I could envision. Lieutenant Winters, would you issue a kill order to Io in that scenario?” the Admiral requested.
“No, sir,” the Jumper replied immediately.
“Even under penalty of death?” Natori pressed.
“No, sir,” Russell stood his ground, looking quickly at Veera. “My life isn’t worth all of theirs.”
To the surprise of everyone assembled, especially Alyra and Nerazek who were nothing short of shell shocked at their rude introduction to the state of galactic politics, Natori began chuckling and soon devolved into full throated laughter. “Forgive me, you must forgive me I just, I recalled just now a very interesting conversation I had with your sister, First Lieutenant. This was on our journey here, before she knew you were well. The stress drove her to verbal confrontation with our Ghaelen guest and, at least as she described it to me, she claimed that bonds of family and friendship between individual humans would carry us to victory in the event of armed conflict with the Ghaelen. I don’t know about your species my friends, but human history possesses a rich litany of bloodshed and conflict which I have reviewed closely since arriving here. Alice’s words ring true now as they have for millennia. I do not know what compelled you to accept Lieutenant Winters into your village instead of killing or exiling him, but that decision has gained you immensely powerful allies.”
“You mean the fact that we couldn’t kill him?” Ratha cackled, forcing Antoth to clear his throat and interject.
“The one who gave that order is long dead.”
“And Antoth has proven reasonable and fair, if not friendly, since the day I met him. I think we can leave it at that.” Natori’s eyebrows rose on his head as Winters briefly added his take.
“Well, I’m certainly pleased to hear that this village is under reasonable and fair management,” was all the Admiral had to say on the subject of Vash’s untimely demise. “I believe we’ve gotten slightly off track but the point of this tangent was to present to you all the tangled web that leads me to conclude that the least headache inducing way out of the current diplomatic situation would be for us to take you with us when we leave.”
“May I ask a question?” Nerazek raised his hand and tail in unison, continuing when both Natori and Antoth gestured for him to continue. “Exactly what is wrong with the idea of you leaving us here?”
“An excellent question,” the Admiral replied. “For the record, I and the rest of humanity have absolutely no problem with the idea. However, as I said, we are not the only ones to consider here. Antoth, you were there when our Ghaelen guest first learned that Russell had been in contact with your village. His reaction was both detached from reality and typical for his people.”
“You mean wiping us off of the map?” the Cauthan growled.
“I do indeed,” Natori drawled, steepling his fingers. “Life and peace mean a great many things to the Ghaelen, but very little importance is placed on the life or peace of an individual. In all things the greater good is considered of utmost importance. Unknowns, exceptions, and inconsistencies are stamped out with ruthless efficiency. And for what it’s worth, their people live quite peaceful, long, and healthy lives, just not free lives. Humanity and the Ghaelen have agreed that meddling with civilizations that have not yet begun to reach for the stars is unwise, but I think it goes without saying at this point that the human mind is more open to irregularities. If you decide you wish to stay, the request and treaty between our peoples will be honored. The Ghaelen will be made to understand that an attempt to intervene here will be tantamount to an act of war, which should serve as more than ample deterrent. However, if we were to tell them instead that the issue has been removed… I believe you see the simplification. On a more uplifting note, I also see no reason to not at least offer this uplift to you given that the cat is out of the bag regarding the ‘modern world’, if you will. There is plenty of room on Earth for a few hundred souls. Does that answer your question?”
“I suppose, but I’m not happy I asked,” Nerazek replied bluntly. “Antoth, this sounds like a right mess and we haven’t even begun discussing how such a thing might be achieved. Surely it isn’t wiser to just decline?”
Antoth directed a tired look at Winters and Veera. “If I had known all that would have happened, I might have turned you away at the gates Winters. But then again if I had done that we would all be dead, so it’s something of a pointless argument, isn’t it? Nerazek, it would certainly be simpler to decline, allow Veera to go with her mate, and continue to live as though this year never came to pass. Would it be wise? Though it is no fault of our own, the reality is that such a decision would leave our fate, however remotely, in the hands of others.”
“It’s funny,” Ratha cut in, clearly not having any fun at all as she glanced sharply around the circle, returning to Natori every few moments. “He was looking at you, smith, but his words were for me. This all assumes the human is being truthful with us.”
“He is,” Russell responded quickly before an exasperated Antoth could reply. “And Antoth was there. It sucks, but that’s the current state of the galaxy at the moment.”
“Which is…?” Alyra requested, drawing out the last syllable. Io smiled like a child ready to show off her first piece of macaroni art to her parents, opening her left palm and holding it face up to reveal a dark gray circle in the center of it. She looked at Natori and Russell in particular as she offered an explanation.
‘I can swap it out in the event you’d like to hold hands, mein barbar, but I do so detest the idea of not being able to do this.’ Gentia and Thantis gasped in delighted surprise as a three dimensional rendering of the galaxy in pure light flashed into existence just above Io’s hand. She quickly marked Earth, Mara, and then the Ghaelen homeworld, which rested further up the local galactic arm in the opposite direction.
“Oh good, they’re a reasonable distance,” Staroth ventured with a hint of confusion, scratching at the underside of his chin. “How long would it take to get from here to there?”
‘From here to the Ghaelen homeworld?’ Io clarified. ‘It would take more lifetimes than your people have existed at the speeds you are capable of, even if we assume that Cauthan have been on Mara since the days of the Forge. The Ghaelen could make the trip in a couple of years, would be my guess.’
Staroth blinked rapidly before shaking his head and grunting in frustration. “Anyone else’s head hurt?”
“I’ll lend you my hammer when this is done,” Nerazek quipped in agreement. “What does this actually mean for our people?”
“It means that in the event we choose to stay here, it’s possible that some or none of us will be left to answer for those consequences, if there are any. If we choose to go, well, that was what this meeting was supposed to be about,” Antoth steered them gently back on track as the sounds of rumbling produce carts, haggling, and other midday conversation grew slowly outside.
“Should I continue, perhaps? Unless there are further questions,” Natori suggested.
“Yes, if you would,” Antoth responded. “We will hold our questions for now.”
“As you wish! You don’t mind if I eat a small snack, do you?” the Admiral suddenly requested, drawing a slim ration bar from his pocket. When the sun priest waved him on, Natori took a bite and considered his next statement.
“I suppose we should start with food and diet then! I have our lead hydroponics engineer working tirelessly on learning how to grow, tend to, and increase the yield of your native crop species. There are several extremely well trained and seasoned researchers examining the composition of your foodstuffs to determine how we can most efficiently support your dietary needs during the journey. I will not hide the fact that it will not taste nearly as good as fresh cooking,” the Admiral waved his half-eaten ration bar about. “But the goal is to get everyone back to Earth healthily and well fed. When that is said and done, I believe that we can successfully negotiate a relocation of your people to a climate on Earth similar to this one. There will be several considerations that must be taken into account when growing your crops on Earth, but the placement of your people is a task that I believe my crew will embrace openly.”
“And if those negotiations do not go well?” Gentia asked seriously.
“Then my ship will continue to produce enough food for you and your people until such a time as they do go well,” Natori replied confidently. “Once we return to Earth we will not need to support nearly as many human crew members, and we have facilities sufficient to support over two thousand humans under normal conditions.”
“That’s probably enough to satisfy Alyra,” Nerazek opined in a neutral tone. “But what are we supposed to do this whole time while we are in transit, not to mention when we arrive wherever your homeworld is? I don’t fancy the idea of being reliant on you or that ship of yours forever, if you don’t mind my saying.”
“I do not,” Natori replied kindly. “Io, would you like to take this one perhaps? I know you have had a few thoughts on the matter.”
‘More than a few,’ the AI clarified. ‘But let’s start with the basics. If you do decide to come with us, which I would find just delightful, all of you would need at least some education on human society, culture, and economics. There is just as much need for craftsmen and artists in our world as in yours, but the application is different and of course there is the consideration of doing such things in exchange for money or as part of daily survival. Once that is concluded I would propose that your young remain ‘in school’, as we would call it. They would be taught to read and write, basic mathematics, the human language, and other such useful pieces of information. In this sort of formal setting I believe it would be easier for Gentia, Thantis, and their apprentices to teach Cauthan customs, language, history, and other subjects as well. For those at the appropriate age to learn a trade, I think there is a broad range of opportunity to institute some sort of cultural exchange apprenticeship program aboard the ship. Nerazek?’
The head priest of Tyrdus looked to have a question bubbling under the surface. He cleared his throat and scratched at one of the grizzled ears atop his head. “Thanks for using our language, it was getting pretty difficult to follow along with the translations. The dark-skinned one speaks quickly. But what of those who serve Tyrdus, along with me? We have already learned our trade and I witnessed Winters here forge most of what he needed within a day or two on his own. How are we to survive like that?”
Natori nodded his head in understanding as his own translation program handled Io’s task, but he allowed the AI to reply, taking the moment to be an observer. ‘And what happens when the machines we use to make things break? I understand your position, Nerazek, I do. But I can assure you of two things. The first is that no matter how advanced the technology, it will always break. The second is that your people are every bit as intellectually capable as humans. Your only handicap is that you have been forced to survive instead of thrive in an environment where basic needs are mostly taken care of with minimal effort by your people. Humanity survived in this manner as well for a very long time. Some still do. If it is your wish to continue to live in this way I have no doubt that Natori, myself, and the others aboard the Event Horizon can make that happen for you. But I see no reason that Zolta could not become a weaponsmith or an electrician, for instance. He is hard working and has a keen mind. Maybe his cub will work on starship drives; or perhaps she will take more after her mother and become a fashion designer.’
“I’m sorry, a what?” Alyra piped up eagerly. Io smiled at both of them.
‘It may seem counter-intuitive, but in an age where we can make almost anything at the touch of a button, the beauty and individuality of handmade goods carries a premium, to say nothing of sturdy craftsmanship. Alyra, a fashion designer is a human who designs clothing and accessories to create a complete look. They show off their designs in competitions around the world. The successful ones are some of the wealthiest humans on the planet, their clothing sold across the modern world.’
“I. Want. To. Go,” the blonde-furred priestess exclaimed, slapping the back of her hand against her palm to accentuate each word. Natori threw his head back in laughter as Winters and Veera shared a humorous look.
“That is the spirit! I daresay that would sweep General Osmundson and your father right off their feet, First Lieutenant,” the Admiral remarked. Russell shared a chuckle with the man, buoyed by the thought that he would see his family again, and soon.
“How would that go exactly? I brought back your son and an alien fashion line?” the Jumper wondered.
“I don’t see why not!” Natori insisted. “But we digress and I do not wish to waste anyone’s time. Priests and priestesses, I assure you that Io is not embellishing things. Humans place an immense value on education, and aboard my ship and throughout our organization, the HEL, practical learning is even more important. It is one thing to design a spacefaring vessel, but it is another thing entirely to build and maintain it. I suppose that applies to any vessel, really. Even your farmers would be welcome in our growing rooms. I’m sure Engineer Prakash could use the help.”
“Well that sounds all bright and cheerful, but what could go wrong?” Staroth asked, sounding very much like Antoth in the moment. Natori turned up his palms at the question.
“Sadly, the answer to that is just about anything. The likelihood is minimal, but you can never count out anything when travelling through space. Just look at what happened when the First Lieutenant arrived here. His ship was destroyed. Ours almost was too. Fortunately for all of us, we have resolved that particular problem. Regardless of whether your people choose to accompany us or not, I intend to return home along the route we used to arrive here, charted territory if you will, to minimize the risk of similar incidents. In terms of what happens when we arrive, no one on Earth knows about the current situation. That goes without saying. There will be a need to inform other members of my organization and explain to them much of what we’ve already gone through here today. And finally, negotiations will have to be carried out regarding the site of your village’s permanent relocation, if it is to be somewhere outside of the territory controlled directly by the HEL. That may or may not be of interest to you, depending on how well or not your people take to modern human technology and culture.”
“So you are saying we might travel all that way just to be turned back?” Antoth sought clarity. Natori shook his head.
“No, not precisely. You will be welcome within HEL territory, but we don’t own too many places like this,” Natori swept his hands around to indicate the forest outside. “I do not want to overpromise.”
“Too late for that,” Ratha cut in with a biting look at Alyra.
“Oh I would not say so,” Kaczynski spoke pleasantly, taking Ratha’s complaint as the normal course of conversation. “You must understand that the Event Horizon is still a military vessel. There are no democratic processes, at least not unless I allow them. Whatever I have promised to you today is within my power, and solely my power, to give.”
Many eyes turned to Io at that statement, but she shook her head and looked at Russell. ‘Don’t look at me, he’s also military. If I were to do something needlessly insubordinate he would stop me. Not that I plan to, of course. I’m not a heathen.’
“You’re sure about that?” Russell asked curiously, earning a smile from Io.
‘Of course I’m sure. You have children on the way. You intend to deny them a father if I decide I want to play around with the Event Horizon’s main gun? I doubt it. But if we could leave aside such ghastly scenarios for a moment,’ she requested, turning her bright green eyes to Antoth. ‘I was ‘born’ on this planet, in this village. The details are not important. What is important is that there are many of us who have a vested interest in seeing you and your people safely to Earth if you so choose. We cannot eliminate all uncertainty, but-’
“But there is no guarantee another armed force doesn’t show up at our gates after you leave,” the Cauthan leader grumbled. “I understand your point, Natori, and your position. That doesn’t mean that I enjoy the prospect of leaving so many unknowns until the end of this process.”
“Thank you, Antoth. I wish I could promise you a pleasant plot of land nestled up against the Rockies where you and your people could live unmolested for eternity, but that is beyond my power to unilaterally grant. And as your wife so wisely noted, I should not make promises I cannot keep,” he responded, unsurprised that Ratha didn’t exactly smile at his words. “What I can promise is that both by treaty and by personal interest, my duty to you and your people does not expire the moment we return to Earth. I fervently believe that humanity needs more friends in this galaxy, and I am a fan of starting small.”
Antoth cleared his throat and took some time to review the expressions of his compatriots. Even Ratha’s brows were knitted in serious thought, though she looked no more pleased about the situation than she had the prior evening. Natori waited patiently, accepting a small sip of water from Winters’ canteen with thanks as he quietly lamented the inability of modern science to make basic vitamins, minerals, and densely packed calories and macronutrients taste good. Eventually Thantis posed his first question of the meeting.
“What of the gods, Natori?” he wondered seriously. “These other aliens you are partnered to, like the one I conversed with during your resource gathering trip, they have no gods. Our people bore hardship and struggle so that we could worship freely here. My discussions with young Winters here seem to indicate that religion is a very contentious topic among your people.”
Natori hooked the corner of his lips into a smile. “It is more complicated and steeped in history than that, my friend. But in the modern era humans are free to worship as they choose or not at all, so long as they don’t go starting any holy wars, for instance. I even know a handful who have decided that the Ghaelen have the right of things. You will be free to serve the gods as you see fit, just wait until lunch time if you intend to go knocking on doors preaching the word of Kel.”
“Preach?” Thantis replied, mildly aghast. “What need is there to preach when the evidence of the balance exists all around us?”
The Admiral threw a genuine smile Thantis’ way before addressing Antoth again. “I suspect you may win a few converts yet. Is there anything else that you wish to ask of me?”
The burly Cauthan gestured with his hand to indicate an open floor to the assembled priests. When none spoke up he shook his head. “Not at this time, but we will contact you if need be. You are free to remain in the village today so long as you do not disrupt the harvest, but now I would ask you to depart, along with Veera, Winters, and Spirit Io, if you would.”
“Of course, of course! Happy to be of service,” Natori assured them, standing and rolling his shoulders back in a brief stretch before checking on the status of the shen egg in his pocket. “I bid you all good day, selah, and thank you for the egg, Veera. It shall be put to good use.”
“Just make sure it’s put to use before it spoils,” she advised knowingly, following Natori, her husband, and Io out of the temple and into the streets. She was barely across the threshold when her ears picked up the hushed tones of debate among the high priests behind them.
“Do you need us for anything else, sir?” Russell asked of Natori, wanting to be polite.
“No no, thank you for your presence today First Lieutenant. I believe I will take Antoth up on his offer and perhaps touch base with your sister before I leave. Io, shall I get in touch with you when the shuttle arrives?”
‘That would be optimal, Natori.’
“Splendid. Enjoy your day then,” he bade them farewell without concern, walking off towards the village center on something of a sightseeing tour on a bright, slightly cool fall day. Winters watched him go with a shrug as Veera looked up at the handful of fluffy white clouds overhead, her feathers waving gently in thought.
“Shall we go spend some time by the river?” she proposed. Io’s face lit up as she contemplated the simple experience of dipping one’s toes in a slow-moving body of water.
‘I would like that very much.’