Contact

by M. D. Neu

  Twenty-One: Final Thoughts

  MIRTOFF ADJUSTED THE braids of her hair, her thoughts only half there; she needed a break. She needed a moment of peace. She was hoping time with her brother would give her that, even briefly.

  “Madam Speaker,” Danu said, “it’s almost time for the reception. If you want to visit Ecra, you need to leave now”

  He approached Mirtoff, a datapad in his hand. “I’ve been reviewing the final details for the night’s events, as well as the security measures—both human and Nentraee. We’re not taking any chances.”

  Leaning back on the sofa, she raised a hand to her mouth to stifle a yawn. It had been a hard few days. Faa laid half on the sofa and half on her, swishing his tail.

  I could stay here like this and enjoy the peace.

  Danu handed her the device, and she scanned the fleet updates. It was agreed she would stay in orbit until just before the event.

  Faa picked his head off her lap. “Provider, is Faa coming?”

  Mirtoff rubbed the top of his head. “No, little one, you get to stay here with Ecra and Suloff. I don’t suspect the humans are ready to meet you yet.”

  Faa jumped to the floor. He shook his head back and forth, fluffing up his fur.

  “Okay, Faa wait here.” He turned back to her. “Faa love Suloff. She gives good scratches.”

  Grinning at him, she rubbed his furry head. “Of course, little one. I’m sure you’ll have a nice time with them.”

  Faa’s big, green eyes watched her. His left ear flopped over itself. “Okay.” He walked to the opposite couch and hopped up on it, curling his tail around the front of his body. “Faa have nice time.”

  “Very good.” She stood and dusted off her suit, picking off some of his fur and letting it float to the floor. She moved to the mirror to scrutinize her hair, making sure the braids were tight and in place. “Did you confirm with the vice speaker? Is everything ready there?”

  “Yes, he and his family are waiting for you in Washington, DC. It will go smoothly.” Danu’s tone was determined.

  “And the gift?” She watched him in the mirror.

  Danu lifted his head from his datapad. His face brightened, and he offered her a polite bow. “It will be ready for you to present. I will hold it for you myself.” Head tilted, he opened his mouth but paused before continuing. “Should we have told the humans? So they aren’t caught off guard?”

  Mirtoff stopped fussing with her hair and turned away from the mirror. The thought had crossed her mind, but given what she had learned of the humans, it wasn’t out of the social norm for them to present each other with gifts. “No, I don’t believe so. From what we understand, this is a very common ritual for them. Plus, this is a monumental moment for our people. There are some traditions I’m not willing to overlook to make the humans comfortable. We are to remain quiet about it until we offer it to him. He needs to witness our sincerity…my sincerity.”

  “Of course.” Danu swiped the last of the files on his datapad over to her device.

  Mirtoff saw the new reports on her screen. “Very good. Please inform my brother that I’ll be there shortly with Faa.” She checked her braids again. “If you could give me a few moments, I’ll be right out.”

  He bowed. She took a moment to watch him in the mirror as he departed the office.

  Once the door closed, her posture slumped, and her face fell. Danu was sure to have picked up on her worry, but he wouldn’t say anything. No one close to her would. Everything depended on this idea of a special envoy.

  Mirtoff glanced over to Faa, and he peeked back at her. She smiled for him, but his eyes narrowed, and he said nothing. Turning back to her datapad, she scanned the additional notes for the human reception. Then she put it down with a huff.

  This needs to work. I can’t fight with General Gahumed any longer, no matter the obstacles the general presented. We need to work together for this to be right. It wasn’t perfect, but it was the best plan, and Ecra and Suloff are excited at the prospect.

  “Please let this be right,” she said, closing her eyes, lifting her head to the ceiling, and offering a quick prayer to J’Veesa.

  “Provider, it be okay. You very good; it will be fine.” Faa watched her.

  Somehow, he always understood and said the correct words to lift her spirits. She knelt and picked him up. “Oof.”

  He happily murred in her arms.

  “Thank you, Faa.”

  Fas twisted in her arms, his big eyes on her and his tail swishing.

  “What do you think? Do you agree we should stay here?” Mirtoff said.

  Faa nestled his head into her shoulder, a happy mur coming from him. She held him a few more seconds before she put him down. “You keep growing, and I won’t be able to pick you up anymore.”

  “Faa grow no more, Provider. Faa promise.”

  She chuckled as he walked to the door and sat. Her heart lifted, and her limbs felt lighter.

  She grabbed her ceremonial cloak and put it on, the weight of it recognized by every part of her body. “Let’s get you to Ecra.”

  Faa nodded, and they walked out of her office together.

  WHEN MIRTOFF ARRIVED, Ecra had made them both a cup of tuma, and invited her to sit and relax. Faa had disappeared with Suloff.

  “You don’t need to be so worried,” Ecra said. “Everything will be fine, sister. He will appreciate the gift, and the humans will be welcoming.”

  “Who said I was worried?”

  “I can tell when you’re worried; you’ve been fussing with your braids.” He took a sip of his drink. “Relax, it’ll go fine.”

  “Easy for you to say, little brother. You don’t carry the weight of two races on your boat. I need this to work for everyone.” Mirtoff tried to leave the doubt behind her. She was glad Todd Landon had taken so long to accept the offer. The additional time was needed for her to appreciate the idea and see the value as Mi’ko did. The time gave them additional ability to evaluate the appointment and create their gift for him—the special Kap’erin. Even Gahumed had stopped her protest, which Mirtoff thanked J’Veesa for. Of course, it didn’t mean that Gahumed would make it easy, and Mirtoff’s instincts told her that the general was planning something.

  “I cannot consider a better boat for our fates to be on. You have father’s kind heart and mother’s determination and strength.”

  “And what if—?”

  “No, sister, no what-ifs. None can distinguish the future but J’Veesa nor should they. J’Veesa’s will shall come to pass no matter what we try to do or how we interfere. It is the way of the universe. You witnessed it on Earth with what happened to the vice speaker and the human. These are events that, if stopped, would have come to pass in other ways. We’re on this course for a reason, and you’re leading because it is where you belong. Not even General Gahumed La-Enn can fight it, though she might like to.” Ecra’s eyes did not leave her.

  She allowed his words to wash over her. The choices she had to make were becoming easier and allowed her an air of comfort. He was right, of course; the universe had a plan, and this was but a small part of it—J’Veesa willing. She took a sip, and the spiced coolness slid down her throat. “When did you get so wise?”

  “I’ve always been wise according to Ra’pia. You’ve just never had the need to listen to me until now.” He smiled at her. “Between you and the humans, the arm of peace has been greatly extended. Have faith in that, dear sister.”

  She touched the side of his cheek gently with the back of her hand. He returned the touch. “Thank you,” she said. “You know I expect this to be a new start for us, and I believe this new beginning starts tonight.”

  “And the special envoy?” Ecra asked.

  “I suspect Mister Todd Landon will surprise us.”

  “Good. Now go. Go share a meal with these humans. Show them the strength and determination that we witness in you every day. Go meet our new Special Envoy, Mister Todd Landon. Make him feel welcome and demonstra
te your good will and your kind heart.” He stood and pulled his sister to her feet. “Welcome him to not only our clan but to our people.”

  Something about his expression, the way his eyes focused on her, how his mouth turned up, reminded her of their father. Mirtoff placed her hand on his cheek. “Thank you.”

  Twenty-Two: Simple Questions

  TAPPING HIS HAND on the side of the chair, Todd peeked at his cane next to him as Andy from the office of the chief of staff explained what was going to happen this evening. He had been with Todd since the morning, making sure he was comfortable and properly briefed for the night’s event. He was a bit nerdy and a bit preppy at the same time with a close-trimmed beard and brown eyes.

  “Most importantly remember when you talk to the president to address him as ‘Mister President’ or ‘Sir.’ Don’t bow to him; you’re American, not Nentraee.” Andy checked his papers. “Well, Mister Landon, that’s everything. The whole process is simple. After the president’s announcement, the speaker general will address the media, both theirs and ours, and then she will introduce you as the Terren envoy.”

  “It’s Special Envoy to Mi’ko Soemu for Terran Affairs,” Todd corrected him flatly.

  It wasn’t that he lacked excitement about the new position. He was thrilled. But he wasn’t sure what it meant. The Nentraee said they would explain more once he started. Some government officials and more than a few military-types weren’t pleased with his lack of answers and even less with him being selected, but he had no control over that.

  He turned to the files on the desk, focusing on them. Based on the reports and the information that Vi-Narm sent him, the role was similar to an aide or an assistant. Nothing that special. Yet everyone was acting like it was the most important thing in the world. Why?

  “I don’t understand,” Todd said. “This position wasn’t in the information they provided. This type of aide doesn’t make sense to me. It’s not part of their cultural structure. Not that I found.”

  “Mister Landon, all I’ve been told is that it’s important to the Nentraee, so it’s now important to us and you.” He reviewed his notes, checking a few more items off.

  Todd shrugged. Maybe it’s related to something from their past. “Yeah, I suppose.”

  His heart still ached for Jerry, but life was moving on. Even back home, they had started rebuilding and repairing the area of the attack. “Andy… sorry… Mister Miller, do they have any more ideas of who was behind the attack in San Jose? I mean, I realize they say it was a couple of lone wolves working together, but isn’t that strange? It’s been over three months, and nothing has been found.”

  Andy’s attention moved from his notes to Todd, and Todd continued. “Isn’t that odd?” He shifted in his chair, adjusting his leg. “Isn’t there a way to trace the materials that were used? And what about witnesses?” He shrugged, a slight frown on his face. “We knew who attacked us within hours of nine-eleven. What’s the holdup?”

  The pleasant expression on Andy’s face changed; his smile grew, and his eyes widened. It seemed fake. “Mister Landon, I don’t have any information on that. At first, everyone thought it was Al Qaeda or ISIS. However, they were ruled out. Since the Nentraee got here…well, those terrorist groups sort of went into hiding, didn’t they?” Andy shifted his stance, adjusting his suit jacket. “The whole bloody Middle East went quiet. Everyone assumed when the Nentraee showed up it scared them since they perceive power as strength.” He stopped and grinned. “And the Nentraee definitely have power, don’t they? With their technology, they could have easily attacked the planet if they wanted, but they didn’t.” He closed his notepad. “Well, anyway, Homeland Security has been investigating, and I’m sure that they’ll find who’s involved. They always do.”

  Images of the attack rushed back to Todd’s memory. He could smell the burning and taste hints of blood on his tongue. How could it go from being national headline news and the subject of special reports to not even having a brief mention in the local news? Even the protests were getting less and less coverage as everyone went back to celebrity gossips and scandals.

  “Mister Miller, I’m sure it sounds crazy to you, but do you think there’s more to this whole thing? Is it possible something’s being covered up?”

  Andy’s face contorted as if he had been slapped. After a second, he politely smiled. “Todd, people see conspiracies all the time. It doesn’t make them real. I’m a simple man who works in the Office of the Chief of Staff. I’m so far removed from the inner workings of the White House that I would be the last person to be told anything. I can assure you that every effort is being made to find who killed those people in San Jose.”

  Andy went over his notes again. “The car and driver will be here at five p.m. to take you through security and to the reception. Unless there’s anything else you have for me?”

  Todd shook his head in the negative.

  “I should check in and inform them that you are all set,” Andy said. “If you need something immediately, your security team will be able to assist you.” He headed to the door.

  Todd picked up his cane and walked with Andy to show him out.

  Andy turned to him. “You can also call me. You’ve got my cell and office number.”

  Todd nodded, not sure what else he could possibly need. The hotel suite was bigger than his house, and the staff had been incredible to him. He hoped everyone got treated this well. Either way, The Willard InterContinental had been amazing, and he hoped he would get to come back.

  “Thanks.” Todd watched Andy scurry off to the elevator. “Now what?” Todd mumbled. He scanned the suite as he headed back over to the files on the desk.

  What am I doing here? This is insane. No. This is a great opportunity. One Jerry had to die for in order for me to get.

  Todd tapped his fingers on the desk and glanced over at the telephone. He picked it up and dialed.

  “Hello, this is Katherine.”

  “Hey Kati, it’s Todd.” He forced a relaxed tone. He was nervous over the night ahead of him and wanted a little reassurance. The choice was to call either Kati, Brad, or his mother, and he didn’t need his mother to worry or to hear Brad tell him to chill out and enjoy it.

  “Hey there, Sexy Buns. Are you ready for your fancy party tonight?” Her tone was instantly uplifting.

  “To be honest, I’m scared to death. It’s nothing like what I thought it would be. There are all these rules on how to stand, what to say, what not to say.” He took a breath. “And those are only for the president. It’s a lot, and I’m not sure I’m up for it.”

  “Oh my God,” Kati snapped. “Stop being a pussy.”

  He rubbed his sore leg absently. “What if I trip in front of the cameras or say something stupid and mess things up? What if I cause an intergalactic war? And did I mention the security? They gave me secret service. There are people outside the room watching over me. It’s creepy as hell. I’m sure they did something to my cell phone. The reception sucks, and I’m stuck using the hotel phone.”

  Kati stifled a snicker.

  “Kati, I’m serious. I’m just some inadequate guy who…” As he paused, his every fear came to the surface. He wanted to run and hide. But security would probably catch him and make him go to the White House event.

  “Listen, Todd, no one is going to care about the size of your penis and how inadequate it might be…”

  “Dammit, Kati. I’m serious, I’m freaking out here. I’ve had this guy from the Office of the Chief of Staff here with me going over protocol. He just left. It’s nuts.” He tried not to yell into the phone.

  “Muffin, honey, sweetness, listen to me. No one understands that stuff. There isn’t one single person on our whole planet that gets it. I bet that there isn’t one from the Nentraee that does either. Everyone is making it up as they go along. You’re not the only one scared. Everyone has their doubts. So suck it up and deal with it. Because, if I had to choose between you representing me and some dusty, cr
usty, talking suit or political jerk-off, I’d pick you in a heartbeat.”

  Todd remained silent.

  “Honey, all we can do is our best. These people who create all this protocol and these rules do it so they have something to fall back on when the shit hits the fan. What you—Todd—what you do, will shape things to come. When all is said and done, people will write books about you, and your dealings with the Nentraee. Some of it will be what not to do—”

  “Gee, thanks.”

  “Get over it. It’s true, but most of what will be written will be what to do. Hon, you need a little faith in yourself, and you’ll do fine. If you still want to hide, and if I have to transport there, or whatever, I’ll kick your fat ass. And today I’m wearing the right shoes for it.”

  A chuckle escaped from Todd’s mouth at the image of Kati and her shoes trying to kick him in the butt. “I don’t want to fuck it up.”

  Laughter filled the other end of the phone. “Like you would be the first. You won’t; you’ll be fine. Trust your gut, it hasn’t steered you wrong so far. And if you do mess something up, roll with it and make it appear intentional. Every move you make do with confidence, and no one will know that you screwed up. Sweet cakes, you’re going to do great. I have faith in you.”

  “Thanks, Kati.”

  “Good. Now that the crisis is solved, when you’re at the White House, can you snatch up one of those—”

  “I’ll see what I can do. Thanks again. See you soon.”

  “Good luck, dumb-ass, and enjoy,” Kati said with a chuckle.

  “Bye,” Todd said then hung up. “Fun. Right. Like explosive diarrhea is fun.” He grumbled and raked his hand through his hair as he lifted his head to view the beautiful, coffered ceiling. He felt his chin and face; he missed his goatee, but not having to deal with trimming it and trying to keep the lines perfect was a time saver and one less stressor for him. Still, he missed it.

  “Relax. She’s right. You’re gonna be great.” He heard a familiar voice from behind him and an even more familiar laugh. “You need to lighten up and enjoy. Move with intent and confidence, and they’ll never see how nervous you are. Stop trying to hide from this. You can’t hide anymore, hon; it’s time to grow up and face the world.”