by Ciara Lake
Kael nodded his head in respectful acknowledgement. “Yes, Father, I live to serve Xihirah and my Sovereign.”
Kliven got up from his desk and took a seat closer to Kael. He leaned in toward Kael and more gently stated, “Now that we’ve got that settled, you haven’t attended any of the family gatherings or meals since Klayvin and Mariel’s Joining Ceremony. Your siblings miss you, not to mention your mother and me. Is there a problem with one of your siblings?”
“No, of course not, I’ve just been busy,” Kael explained. “Training takes a lot of time, effort, and planning. It wears me out after long days of simulated battle exercise.”
“I find it objectionable that your mother’s unhappy. I’m upset that you’re the cause. I’ll not have my mate distressed because her son doesn’t know how to act around family and friends. You need to snap out of your current foul attitude, now. You must visit with your mother and sisters. Do you understand me, Kael?” He paused for Kael to nod silently. “Good. The Kritons have asked us to host this Council meeting in preparation for their meeting with the Realmist on the Delore Moon. That’s exactly what we’re going to do. We’ll provide meeting rooms, meals, consultation, security, and our general hospitality. I’m pleased that the Kritons have asked our world to provide assistance. It’s a good way to build positive relations with Kriton.”
Kael stiffly nodded, “I can’t believe they’re planning on negotiating with the fucking Realmist Terrorist. Is this the idiot Minister Vitalion’s lame idea? That puny male’s worthless, even for a Kriton humanoid,” Kael growled out. “No one can rationally discuss things with monsters like Clitax Tomron. He blows up medical facilities, schools while calling us abominations. How can you negotiate with the mentally ill who harbor that kind of prejudice? This seems an exercise in futility, trying to negotiate in this ridiculous scheme.”
Again, Kliven got up from his chair and paced the room. “Whether it’s stupidity or not, Kael, we’ve given our word to provide a safe environment for those people. Have your opinion, but keep it to yourself while these talks are happening. I won’t have anyone saying there’s no unity within our kingdom of Xihirah.” Taking his seat at his desk, he exhaled. “Now, you only have a short amount of time before you’ll need to meet the Kritons at the Spaceport Terminal. Just please remember to not insult the Minister or his staff. Kriton’s too important to alienate. To all outsiders we’ll appear committed to this plan. With all the attacks, commerce is affected. If we can’t get new buyers, then the need for our technology decreases as does our sales as does the money in the coffers. I’m not prepared to go to war over this. War’s costly, and the rewards are minimal,” Kliven stated.
“How do you go to war with dishonorable terrorists anyway? It’s like fighting shadows. But, talking with criminals, working deals with the likes of Tomron is insanity.” Kael shrugged. “However, Father, I’ll support your decisions. I may not fully agree with them, but I’ll keep my opinion to myself, for now.”
“Kriton and the Council members have a plan. Our part is mostly based on our natural talents as warriors. They feel that meeting here first is a more secure work environment to develop a working agenda. Our agenda is to stay in the good graces of Kriton and the Council of Planets. This is important to our commerce. I believe that Xihirah should be free of Realmist spies or sympathizers. Further, the Kriton Minister will be asking for assistance from our Elite Military Force to provide security for the meeting’s participants while the meetings are taking place even if some of the meetings are off Xihirah. We’ll listen to the Council’s plans and provide whatever assistance is reasonably requested. This all directly and indirectly benefits Xihirah. I may not totally agree with the plan to negotiate with a terrorist and his organization either, but I’ll not prevent the efforts,” Kliven declared.
“The Realmist hate our kind. Why would we be the appropriate choice for a security force?” Kael inquired.
“Yes, I know what you mean, but we’re the best military security force in the galaxy. The Realmist are weak, Earthen-type humanoids. We’re strong, and we leave an authoritative impression. They won’t even recognize that we’re Xihirians. Our military presence will provide a considerable show strength and maintain order. Hopefully, it’ll keep the participants safe. We’re to blend with them,” Kliven emphasized.
Kael regarded his father with raised brows, “Is that possible, to blend with humanoids such as them?” Kael questioned.
“We’ll make it possible. The communication specialist that’s accompanying the Kriton Minister can assist in helping us learn to blend. We’ll use smaller Xihirian soldiers. Kleave has been working on a medication that’ll help control our eyes from changing with our emotions,” Kliven explained.
“Great, so we get to walk around on experimental drugs to hide who we are so that we don’t create any tension,” Kael spat.
“Attitude, Kael,” Kliven reminded his temperamental son. “It’s time to make your way to the Spaceport Terminal. Before you go I want to speak to Kael alone.” Kliven addressed the other officers who had quietly listened.
“Yes, Father,” Thyson answered for the others.
After the door had closed tightly behind the others, Kliven addressed Kael on a more personal level. “I believe I know the true reason for your moody temperament and your absence from the Palace. I noticed a change in you after the recent Joining Ceremony. I’m more like you than you know.” Kliven slapped him on the shoulder. “That’s why we clash at times, my son. I assume you’re concerned that you don’t have a mate and your younger brother has had the fortune to find his. I can see that you’re distancing yourself for self-preservation. I do comprehend what troubles you, and I know you love your brother. At times being an Alpha Prime is trying, and we suffer from deeper and often more violent emotions. I wanted you to know that I recognize more than you may realize. I know I’m often hard on you, but you’re my Alpha Prime Son. Your mother and I love you dearly. We do both understand the weight of your position within our family and the duties that come with it. Kliven placed his hand on Kael’s shoulder as he assured his son. “Now, the Kriton Space Transport will be landing shortly, and I need you to focus and be the Alpha Prime male leader you were born to be. Thyson will assist you.”
“Yes, Father.”
“There will be four in the Kriton party. The Minister, his assistant, the communication specialist and his assistant will make up the party. Take them to the west wing of the Palace. Show them their quarters, see to their comforts, and allow them to rest before midday meal. I expect you to escort them to the dining hall for our midday meal. I’ll meet them there. I’ve requested that your mother, perhaps two of your brothers, if they can make it, will join us there. Kael, you’re to attend all meals, formal or informal meetings. I’ll permit no excuses. You’ll be my successor one day; therefore, you must attempt to become more accustomed to these political exercises. Now enough of me lecturing. Get going. You need to prepare, and don’t be late meeting our guests.”
Chapter Three
The Kriton flagship eased past the other smaller vessels awaiting docking instructions. The flagship was enormous and dwarfed other ships. It was the largest spaceship currently in existence and the fastest ship in the known universe. Its purpose was political, not for war. Its silver hull gleamed in the light like a precious metal. It was truly a magnificent piece of machinery. An elaborately etched emblem on its underbelly told of its origin. Kriton was a wealthy world. This ship demonstrated its immense wealth. Large metallic clamps stretched out like arms to embrace the ship as it docked. The ship’s docking clamps worked in harmony with the station’s hydroindrolics clasping system. Kael eyed the hydroindrolics with pride and watched it work to secure ships coming into dock. His brother’s docking system was an incredible invention, and it amazed Kael that his brother was responsible for such a technological feat. Braeden Tech was busy installing the hydroindrolics system at every reputable space station across the Fiaxe Galaxy, in
cluding Earth. On the way to the Kriton terminal ramp, Kael stopped to admire his military space disk at its docking location.
“Good Sunrise, Admoncor Braeden.” Obviously startled by the Admoncor’s sudden appearance, the junior officer jumped to attention. Kael nodded, returned the young man’s quick, sharp salute. “Would you like us to prepare your space disk for departure?” The officer inquired.
“No, continue with the scheduled maintenance. I’m heading to the Kriton terminal ramp on official business.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.” The soldier swallowed audibly. Quickly he returned to his duties.
* * * *
“That gown looks stunning on you, Saleeya. You’re going to make an excellent impression,” Mia complimented Saleeya.
“Thank you, Mia. You don’t look bad yourself. Are we ready to meet with Minister Vitalion on the observation deck? He’s extremely restless, from what the messenger said.”
“He’s always agitated about something.” Mia shrugged. “I don’t think he wanted Kriton to participate on Xihirah.”
“Surely, you don’t think he’d want to compromise these important proceedings.”
“No, it’s just a feeling from when we met back on Kriton. He seemed to be rather displeased with the Council’s decision to include the Xihirians and the selection of Xihirah as the meeting place,” Mia explained. “No matter. Come, we’ve no time to stand here to discuss it. If we’re to get there on time, we must leave now.” Saleeya shrugged. “I hope Admoncor Braeden won’t be there to greet us, to give Minister Vitalion time to relax. But, I really don’t understand Vitalion’s fear.” Saleeya rushed around gathering her things to pack them away.
“This planet’s a humid jungle. And I’m guessing that Vitalion’s already sweating even before we disembark.” Mia informed Saleeya, “Vitalion’s a brilliant politician, but he isn’t a warrior, and dealing with this warrior race must intimidate him. From what I’ve read, Admoncor Braeden’s mere presence can be threatening. Vitalion, I’m certain, will appreciate it if you take over the initial pleasantries with the Admoncor.” Mia explained, “The Xihirians are respectful of women and often give women positions of power in their local government. They don’t send their women off-world. They’re too protective of their females to do that. However, they easily listen to female diplomats. So, there’ll be no problem with you fronting the greeting. They respect women of intelligence and knowledge. In truth, the Admoncor’s mother is from Earth. She was a Senator from Toronto, New America, before she mated with his father.” Mia opened their room’s access door to head toward the observation deck to meet the Minister.
At first, Saleeya and Mia leisurely walked through the ship’s wide passageways. They were engrossed with all the sights and sounds of the marvelous ship. After a longer stroll than they anticipated, they realized they were lost. Saleeya became frantic to get to their destination. She decided to ask for directions. “Excuse me, sir.” Saleeya tried to get the attention of a crewmember as he was rushing by.
“Yes, Miss Stayvel.”
“Can you tell us how to get to the observation deck?”
“Yes, Miss Stayvel,” the crewmember politely agreed. “The computer will assist you,” he explained. “Computer, please respond.”
“Yes, Crewmember Donota?” The computer’s crisp voice immediately answered his prompt.
“Please direct Miss Stayvel and Miss Tiller to the observation deck.”
“Certainly,” the computer voice agreed.
“Oh, the computer will direct us?”
“Yes, just continue down this hall and the computer will direct you as you go. The computer’s always watching and listening. However, if you wish to engage the computer, you need to prompt it by saying, ‘Computer, please respond.’”
“Oh, that’s good to know that the computer’s always watching and listening.” Saleeya looked sideways at Mia, who loudly gasped.
“Glad to be of service.” The crewmember nodded his head and took off down the corridor. Saleeya and Mia resumed their journey at a quickened pace. As they approached a lobby area at the end of the lengthy corridor, the computer directed them to a glass tube lift. They entered the tube and took it to the next level up. When they exited the tube, they saw a sign for the observation deck. The door was directly across from the tube’s exit. This floor of the ship seemed vacant of crewmembers.
For the most part, the ship was empty. Their group of four was the only passengers abroad the massive ship. The noticeable lack of passengers made the ship seem even larger. There was still a full crew detail busily doing their various jobs. Occasionally crewmembers would pass them and respectfully nod an acknowledgement in their direction. No doubt, the all-seeing and -hearing computer kept everyone on his or her toes. Saleeya took a deep breath to prepare herself for Vitalion. Before she pushed the button to open the observation deck doors, they swooshed open to allow entrance. The observation deck was enormous. Located on the ship’s top level, it nearly took the whole area of the deck. At the sight of it, Saleeya’s eyes widened in amazement. The beauty of the scenery inside and out was outstanding. The Xihirian suns had already risen and the observation deck was flooded with incredibly bright and cheerful light. Saleeya had to shut her eyes to adjust to the sudden abundance of natural light. Her eyes had become accustomed to the artificial lighting. Saleeya could feel herself break out into a light perspiration from excitement and the sudden temperature change. The observation deck was an inside conservatory, a mass of luscious greenery organized artistically. Flowers of varying sizes, shapes, and colors were everywhere. Lovely green plants also mingled in with the flowering life. The garden was breathtaking with its design and exquisite specimens. This was obviously a collection of plants from all over the known universe. Saleeya noticed that there was a special lighting system installed to encourage the health and growth of all of the vegetation when the ship was in the cold darkness of space.
As far as Saleeya could see, full-length port windows wrapped around the perimeter of the deck. From where she stood, she could see the massive Ferileson terminal building. Nearly as impressive as the legendary Kriton Station, it stretched out for miles. When she turned to look in the other direction, she could see a colossal jungle of green. Large beads of moisture rolled down the outside of the port windows. Never had she seen so much green plant life in one place. Interrupting Saleeya’s thoughts, the access door opened making a hissing sound. The cooler air from the outside hallway caressed Saleeya’s heated face and brought her back out of her dreaming state. A small, thin man with a beaky nose shuffled in with his assistant in tow. Minister Vitalion and Jarvin entered swiftly and headed directly to where Saleeya and Mia stood. Neither man hesitated to appreciate the extraordinarily gorgeous surroundings.
“Hello, ladies, at least you’re on time.” His voice was whiny and impatient. “I do detest waiting.” Nervously he tugged his dark blue robe tighter around him and sneered. “I want to go over some of the cultural protocol before we have to greet Braeden. I don’t want anyone making a stupid mistake, insulting these primitive shifters. After all, they’re unpredictable, savage animals.” Apparently, he was clueless as to how prejudiced his statements sounded. As customary, he was dressed in his long, blue government robes that he wore for all of his major political events. The robes seemed to gobble up his slight frame. He was short enough for even Saleeya to tower over. Vitalion was a homely, petite man in his late sixties. The years had not been kind to him, and he wore a road map on his face. His beady blue eyes seemed cold and unkind. He was immensely arrogant of his Earthen ancestry. He reported to his constituents that his ancestors had migrated from London, New Europe, Earth, and were some of the first to settle on the colony world of Kriton. “Miss Stayvel, briefly refresh us on basic protocol. Incidentally, you look impressive. I hope the humidity won’t melt us all into puddles of flesh before we reach the Palace. This world’s nothing like our lovely, arid Kriton. The heavy, humid air and sweltering heat
steals the very air from your lungs. It simply zaps the energy right out of your body in seconds. The last time I was here, I fainted. I recall that their Palace isn’t electronically air-cooled. They use some uniquely Xihirian method. From what I understand, they use a natural cooling element that’s in the building’s stone. Only their deities understand such a primitive method.” Disgust twisted his already haggard features into an ugly, snarling mask.
“Yes, Minister, it’s an excellent idea for the four of us to be refreshed with the basic rules of conduct before we come into contact with the Xihirians. There’s so much to remember. The first thing you need to remember, from what I’ve learned in preparation for this event, is that Xihirian males don’t shake hands with other males. If a male offers his hand, they’ll simply ignore it. Don’t be offended and don’t offer it again. Nodding one’s head is the appropriate greeting between males. A Xihirian male may gesture to take a female’s hand. At times, a Xihirian male may bring a female’s hand to their face to sniff her hand.”
“Oh, that rarely happens,” Mia quickly added. “At least in my experience.” She flashed a quick smile as a quiet apology for her interruption.
“Well, it could happen here.” Saleeya smiled back. “So we need to be prepared. Don’t behave as if repulsed or hesitant. It’s acceptable behavior since we’re unmated females.” Saleeya directly commented to Mia, “The Xihirians seem to be able to tell much from scent. They rely on their enhanced senses.” Saleeya paused to make sure that all three of them were paying attention to her comments. “Also, they have excellent hearing. It’s far greater than what we’re used to. Don’t whisper or mutter—they’ll hear you, and you may be embarrassed or create an incident.
“Yes, yes, I realize this.” Vitalion rudely cut her off. “Are you about done?”
