Contact

by M. D. Neu

  Todd hit reply and typed:

  OH MY GOD! I found out Varick got a meeting with the Nentraee. Can you believe it? How cool, right? Anyway, I get to sit in on it. Sounds like a great opportunity. It’ll be cool to meet them, best part is that we—this means you too!—get to attend a welcome dinner event afterward. And, yes, you’ll have to wear a suit. This month is going to be busy. Lots to prep for.

  Fourteen: How Open is Open?

  THE OTHER SIX members of the Speaker’s House watched her, each representing their respective clans. The meeting went as well as Mirtoff had anticipated. They were gathered in her office around the conference table. Thank J’Veesa that Mi’ko had convinced them to meet privately and not in the Council Chamber. It allowed for a franker conversation.

  Slamming her hands on the conference table, Gahumed La-Enn scowled at Mirtoff. “You intentionally agreed to accept these welcome events and receptions before even speaking with us. We agreed—”

  “No, General Gahumed,” Mirtoff interrupted. “You and the other generals decided that we would not attend the human receptions, and everyone, including me, went along with it. You weren’t at the United Nations. You haven’t been in the meetings.” She forced her voice to stay level ignoring the burning ear tips of the generals. “These beings aren’t like us. Social gatherings mean a great deal to them. They celebrate many things: historical events, political gatherings, physical contests, great battles, and religious ceremonies, to name a few. This is important to them, and we didn’t take that into account. Operating from our perspective won’t work.”

  “Are you implying, Madam Speaker, that you were intimidated into both making the speech and not attending the welcome after the address at the human United Nations?” General Vi-Kamu Fanion asked.

  “That’s not what I’m saying. I’m not some pre-emisaration child who was upset by not being included in some game.” Mirtoff pushed a braid of hair off her shoulder, trying to keep her voice calm. “We did the best we could with the information we had. But I was there. I saw them. I’ve spoken with many of the humans since, and I’m suggesting we attend some of these events.”

  Since her first official address, Mirtoff had grown more and more uneasy of their initial decision of a more isolated approach.

  Syde Badrah, the youngest member of the Speaker’s House, spoke. “Well, I, for one, am pleased with the new opportunity. I’ll volunteer to attend as many of these events as you’d like, Madam Speaker. They have amazing customs I would like to learn more of. Their young have these events where they drink a liquid—beer—that makes them lose their senses, get physically sick, and pass out. That is just one. They have other events where—”

  “Thank you, Speaker Syde. I believe we understand,” Gahumed cut him off.

  Mirtoff frowned. Gahumed did this to Syde all the time. The way Ghumed’s ears flared when Syde spoke showed such contempt for him. Yes, he could be overly eager, but he was an official member of the Speaker’s House who represented his clan well. Gahumed always pointed out his shortcomings. No male was perfect in Gahumed’s eyes. No male except her son, Denes. He was a flawless soldier and a strong male. He was never afraid to speak his mind. Gahumed was proud of him, and in her eyes, Denes was infallible.

  J’Veesa forbid something ever happen to him. Who knows what she would do?

  Syde fell silent.

  Rosta Gonu bowed toward Syde. “General Gahumed, it’ll give us the opportunity to understand them in a setting where they are comfortable, not for us—”

  “And what of security? What of the safety of our people?” General Yee Awon kneaded his hands.

  “It’ll be a mix of both human and Nentraee security,” the edges of Mi’ko’s mouth went flat. “Yes, we’ll be cautious. General Yee, your people are well-trained, and I’m sure we won’t have any problems.”

  “The humans have not been happy with our unwillingness to socialize with them, ‘to get to know them better,’ as they say,” Mirtoff said. If the members of the Speaker’s House had experienced what she had, they would understand. “We’ve given them time to reflect on the new information we’ve provided, but I’m afraid they still perceive us poorly. I’m trying to change that.”

  “I simply won’t agree to these foolish human receptions.” Gahumed massaged her ears. “It’s too risky. We have no idea what these creatures will do.”

  Mirtoff had called this meeting with the hope of having a consensus, but Gahumed fought her at every corner. She was the speaker general, and the decision was made. “I don’t seek your agreement, nor do I need it. When we left our world, additional powers were granted to the speaker general to proceed with first-contact situations as she deems appropriate. I’m exercising those powers now. This meeting is a courtesy to inform you”—she glared right at Gahumed—“what I plan to do.”

  Gahumed’s eyes grew large, and her ears flushed anew. “You power-grabbing, filthy little Ĩ-ta!”

  Every muscle in Mirtoff’s neck tensed.

  Mi’ko slammed his datapad on the table and stood, his ears an angry blueish hue and double in size. “You will not use that disgusting word in my presence ever again, Gahumed La-Enn. Do I make myself clear?” His voice was calm, but his words were not. He met her gaze as she shifted in her chair, licking her lips.

  Neither Mi’ko nor Gahumed backed down.

  “Gahumed, please, that was out of line,” Vi-Kamu Fanion said in a tone barely over a whisper.

  Mirtoff knew Fanion was normally Gahumed’s strongest ally, but Gahumed had crossed a line.

  Fanion said, “Speaker General Esmi, I would like to apologize for my colleague.”

  “I believe your colleague, the Speaker of the Clan Dentraee, General Gahumed La-Enn, can speak for herself.” Each word Mirtoff said bit at the air. “And she has made her opinions perfectly clear.” Her hands started to tremble, so she placed them on her lap out of sight of the others.

  I will not show Gahumed or any of them weakness.

  “As vice speaker,” Mi’ko said, “I’ve already volunteered to attend the first reception. It will be in the city they call San Jose. I’ll appear with my aides, and I would like to invite a delegation from our House of the People to join; they’ll be in the area for meetings,” he said, with a firm nod. “Are there any additional objections?”

  Gahumed glowered at Mi’ko but said nothing.

  She’s not continuing. Is that possible?

  Gahumed’s face was tight as she spoke,“If I may, I would like to apologize for what I said, and I will not block this plan. I’ve stated that I don’t agree. If the speaker general and the vice speaker are this strongly in favor, then I shall not object.”

  “I have no objections,” said Speaker Syde. “I would like to include a few staff as well, if you don’t mind.” He beamed at Mirtoff and then at Mi’ko but avoided General Gahumed.

  “No objections from me,” Speaker Rosts added.

  “If this is what the speaker general deems is in the best interest of our people, then I support it as well,” Vi-Kamu said.

  “As do I,” Yee agreed.

  Mirtoff let out a brief sigh of relief.

  A hard-fought battle. Still, I’m not sure if it is thanks to my sound arguments or to Gahumed’s outburst. Either way, I’m grateful.

  MIRTORFF’S OFFICE WAS quiet. The only noise came from the hum of the ship, and the anxious trembling of her leg. She reflected on the meeting with the Speaker’s House and how quickly Gahumed stopped; was it possible Gahumed was planning something, or was she being paranoid?

  “How many of these things have you agreed to?” Danu ran his fingers over the datapad.

  As she scratched Faa’s head gently, her heart slowed, and she relaxed. Faa was such a tiny thing. She learned from Tun’ae that humans had similar companion animals. After her meeting, she was foregoing her normal cup of tuma because it was making her more edgy than she wanted. “We need to show them openness, and if that means I must sit with all their media, then
I’ll do it.” She turned to Danu meeting his hopeful gaze. “The one you should worry for is the vice speaker. He has to attend the first reception. It will set precedent for all the others to come.”

  “Of course, Madam Speaker. Still, I would be remiss to point out I worry that it’s too much. They have hundreds of reporters and media outlets worldwide, and if all you do is grant interviews, then how will anything get done?”

  She smiled at him.

  It’s his duty to remind me that I’m but a single individual. There is only so much I’m capable of, and right now, he believes the river I navigate will swallow me up. He’s such a worrier. Still, he’s probably right.

  Faa murmured under Mirtoff’s touch, “So good, Provider. Faa love,” he purred in his high voice, his soft, gray fur getting messed up by her touch.

  Mirtoff and Danu grinned. Cádo had a way of bringing calm and joy to everyone around them. It was their simple way, and their happiness rubbed off on people.

  “Okay, little one, go to your couch.” Mirtoff sat up and straightened the top of her suit.

  Faa glanced up at her with a hint of a sulk on his face but did as he was told.

  “Danu, it’s important to all of us that we make this work. The Speaker’s House has given their support, as has the House of the People.”

  Reluctantly.

  Danu carried worry in his eyes. Most males were worriers. Perhaps it was that part of their nature that helped them be good fathers. “It is also why we’ve agreed to this first reception with more to come, I hope.”

  Danu put his files down on the highly polished surface, then turned to her, his full lips pinched closed. “Of course, Madam Speaker.”

  “Danu, please don’t be so disappointed in me,” Mirtoff said. “And please don’t worry so much. I realize I’m asking a great deal of you and your staff.” Her face softened, meeting his bright green eyes. “Please understand how important this is. They are a new species. Even with our months of study and preparation, they have surprised us at almost every turn.”

  “Very well.” He studied her carefully. “However, I ask that you share more of these duties with not only the vice speaker but some of the other members of the Speaker’s House. Spread these interviews and meetings around. Don’t try to do all the work yourself.”

  “We have no diplomatic corps, so who do you suggest?” Mirtoff asked. “General Gahumed La-Enn would be counterproductive. Or perhaps General Vi-Kamu Fanion? Her thoughts run deep, but her ability to share them…” She shook her head at the idea. “Unless you’re talking military strategy, General Vi-Kamu Fanion would not represent us well, at least not yet.” She sighed. “None of the generals that have seats within the Speaker’s House are able or willing to do such a thing. They are hard enough to deal with on matters of state. Asking them to partake in interviews—no, I cannot ask such a thing. It would be bad for all involved.”

  “All right, what of Speaker Syde Badrah or Speaker Rosta Gonu? Both are well spoken and adored by not only their clans but all the Nentraee,” he suggested. “They could be prepped and properly scripted. It would give the humans additional faces of our people and clans. It might help, and it might be good for them—give them experience with the humans.”

  Mirtoff was becoming distracted trying to focus on their conversation but wanting the day to be over. She wanted to push from her mind what Gahumed had called her. Her thoughts turned to the taste of a chilled cup of tuma. She had discovered the humans had a drink similar to tuma called coffee. She had yet to try it, but the humans seemed to love it.

  “Madam Speaker,” Danu said.

  Mirtoff focused again on Danu and the conversation. It was true that Speaker Syde Badrah and Speaker Rosta Gonu were well-liked among her people, and they had both expressed interest in human contact. Her concern was that Rosta was not known to be the most logical and tended to speak too freely, sometimes causing trouble where none was needed. Syde was a good male, an enthusiastic male, but not a strong male. He would easily back off if pushed.

  Syde could speak regarding health and education, and Rosta could talk to their agriculture advances and other matters of the Nentraee’s interior. It may work if done correctly.

  “Very well,” Mirtoff said. “Danu, please see that both Speaker Syde Badrah and Speaker Rosta Gonu are included in these interviews with the human media. Focus on their areas of expertise.” She watched him with the slightest of grins. “Since this is your idea, I’ll leave it up to you to work with their staff and ensure that we’re not appearing foolish or too open.”

  Danu bowed, hiding his own smile, but Mirtoff caught it.

  He really has a beautiful smile.

  “Of course, Madam Speaker. I’ll have the changes sent to them, and I’ll arrange meetings with their staff.”

  “Excellent.” Mirtoff stood up and stretched. “What other matters do we have to go over tonight?”

  “Nothing that can’t wait until tomorrow. I don’t want to keep you from your family,” Danu stood and made his way to the door. “Have a good night, Madam Speaker.” He glanced over to the cádo who was curled up on the sofa. “Good night to you, little Faa.”

  Faa lifted his head, and his tail swished softly on the sofa. “Goodbye,” he said happily, his big eyes following Danu as he left the office. “Is it time, Provider? Is it time to see Ecra and Suloff?” He jumped off the couch and bounded over to her.

  “Yes, little one.” Mirtoff smiled. “Now come. We don’t want to keep Ecra and Suloff waiting. I hope he has a nice, cold cup of tuma waiting for me.”

  MIRTOFF AND FAA reached the living quarters of her brother and niece. As a part of the Speaker’s family, they were given larger quarters than most, in a special area of the speaker general’s ship. The area was secure, so she was able to move freely without the need for security which was nice, but if she was honest, she didn’t mind having Danu around. When she was in this part of the ship, she felt the most like her old self. She didn’t have worries or cares. She was a normal Nentraee with a normal life. Even Faa picked up on her mood shifts when she was with her family.

  The door chirped as it opened, and she was met by the warm smile of her beloved brother. “Mirtoff,” he greeted her with a tender touch of his hand to her cheek.

  She reached up to his hand and held it there, enjoying the warmth and the familial touch. “Hello, brother.” She touched his cheek in a similar fashion.

  Faa laughed, bouncing through the door, squeezing past both of them. “Suloff, come scratch back. Faa here, time for scratchies.” He giggled as he scampered off.

  Both Ecra and Mirtoff smiled.

  “He is such a dear one.” Ecra watched Faa rush off.

  “I’m blessed by J’Veesa’s love to have him.” Mirtoff entered the apartment, smelling the spiced meats and vegetables. “Is that…?” Her face filled with joy. “Does this mean Ra’pia will join us tonight?”

  “No, not tonight. She has to work late.” Ecra walked to the kitchen. “And yes, my sister, that’s OmLanga. I made it special for us.” His grin divided his mouth in two. “Just like father used to make back home.”

  The quarters Ecra shared with his daughter were cozy and well lived in. They were nothing like the small quarters they’d once had on the agricultural ship. The pale-yellow walls with warm brown tones of the furniture reflected hints of their home and clan. Even the windows that opened onto one of the ship’s many gardens were designed to be like those they once had in their family home on Benzee. Next to the windows was a door leading to a small balcony, where they could sit. Bright light filled the space with warmth.

  “I haven’t had that in so long. How did you arrange it?” Mirtoff followed the smells that filled her with memories of family and love.

  “I have my ways.” He turned back to the meal prep. “Working on the agricultural ships has its benefits.” His head tilted, viewing her over his shoulder. “Do you remember us sneaking in while father was busy helping Ta’nan with school work?
You would help me up onto the counter to taste it.” He laughed. “You would get us into so much trouble.”

  “I have no recollection of such things.” Mirtoff grinned. “What I remember is you constantly begging Ta’ and me to include you. ‘Toffy, I want to come. Toffy, where are you going? Toffy, if you don’t let me come, I’ll tell mother.’ That’s what I remember, brother.”

  As he twisted away from her, his tieback was exposed. She reached out and yanked the tie, which held his long brown hair in place, out and snickered.

  “Not funny, sister,” Ecra nabbed the tieback and fixed his hair.

  She knew he hated when she messed with his hair, but she had done it ever since they were children. “I miss them.”

  “Not a day goes by I don’t remember our family,” Ecra said. “Having to say goodbye, knowing there was nothing to be done. The military there to make sure we left. It was awful.”

  Reaching up, she loosened the braids of her hair, allowing them to fall to the small of her back. “Everything I do now is to honor our family. I want this to work. Ecra, this needs to work. Our people need a home. They need ground under their feet. We can’t risk any more lives.”

  He stretched out and touched her cheek. “You’re my sister, and I realize everything you do honors our family and our clan. I know they would be proud of you. Not because you are speaker general, but because of all you do for our people. Everyone respects you.”

  “Not everyone, brother.” She frowned, recalling the awful things General Gahumed had said to her.

  Who used such language these days? Weren’t they beyond that now?

  She pushed the thoughts from her mind.

  “Aunt Mirtoff!” Suloff came out from her room, Faa in her arms, his tail happily swishing back and forth.

  “I see you’ve made Faa very happy, Suloff.” She walked over to her niece, touching her cheek with care. “Faa, you’re too big. You need to let Suloff put you on the floor.”

  Faa worked his muzzle into a pout. “Faa happy. Faa not too big.”