Dark Planet Falling

by Anna Carven

  “Tarak,” Xal shot him a meaningful glare. “We agreed to abide by Human customs, and this ‘bureaucracy’, as they call it, is one of them. If we are to engage with the Humans, it needs to be on their terms. Or at least, they must think that it’s on their terms. I’m sure Abbey would agree.”

  Tarak remained silent. The air suddenly felt very oppressive. Sera squeezed Xal’s hand.

  Xal sighed. “I know what you’re thinking. It would be easier just to forcibly enter Earth. But then we wouldn’t be any better than the Imperial forces. I’m trying to cultivate an image here, General.”

  “Humans are freaking out right now,” Sera added. “If they see a big, black, scary looking thing in the sky, they’ll think an invasion is happening.”

  “Do you think I care whether the Humans ‘freak out’ or not? They can do what they like. I just want to get back to Abbey.”

  The wide-eyed official stepped away from his desk. “Um, I’ll just go and get the Prime Ambassador,” he stuttered, before disappearing behind a door.

  Tarak shot Xal and Sera a dark look. “This is all your fault, Prince. You insisted on abiding by these ridiculous Human rules.”

  Xal shrugged. “As I said, it’s all about image. I want to develop a reputation for being friendly.”

  The General stared at him as if he were out of his mind.

  The immigration officer returned with a man in a dark suit, who took one look at Xal and Tarak and sighed. “You’ve returned, Prince,” he said. “Why don’t you all come to my office, so we can talk?”

  Tarak glowered. Xal smiled. Sera remained quiet, looking at both Kordolian males, who towered over her. Xal appeared relaxed. Tarak was seething with impatience.

  “Do you require an escort?” The officer regarded the Kordolians with trepidation. “I’ll call for some peacekeepers.”

  “Not necessary.” The Ambassador said, with a dismissive wave of his hand. “If they wanted to harm us we’d be dead already, am I right, Prince?”

  Xal said nothing, responding with an innocent shrug. They followed the Ambassador down a network of back corridors. He led them past a discreet reception area that was decorated with a vase of fresh lilies. Their unique perfume filled the air. It was such an odd extravagance to have on an orbiting immigration station; a reminder of the life that existed below on planet Earth.

  As they sat, the Ambassador stroked his white beard, the only indication that he might be uneasy. “I’ll get straight to the point,” he said. “The Federation is completely mystified by recent events. What we know is that there were two Kordolian warships orbiting Earth. Both of them disappeared, and only one returned. Your actions are causing dissent amongst the citizens on Earth. I have spoken to Senator Aquinas and President Jiao. We request that you attend a special Senate Hearing to discuss the terms of a potential Human-Kordolian alliance.”

  Xal smiled, his fangs gleaming. Sera knew he was trying to appear friendly, but he still had the aura of a predator about him. That was how Kordolians were. Tall, silver, pointy-eared and dangerous. There was only so much they could tame their true nature, and Sera wouldn’t have it any other way.

  “That sounds perfect, Ambassador Rahman,” he said. “We will lay this matter to rest once and for all.” He turned to Sera with glowing pride in his eyes. “My mate has chronicled everything and her actions have saved your planet a great deal of trouble. You have no idea of what she has gone through to save your people.”

  The Ambassador’s eyes widened. He looked at Sera with growing alarm. “You’re Julian’s daughter, aren’t you?”

  “So what if I am?” Sera crossed her arms, preparing to get defensive. But to her surprise, Ambassador Rahman grinned.

  “It will be good to see the old man out of his depth for once. He’s gotten far too comfortable these past few years. It’s good to shake things up now and then, wouldn’t you agree?”

  Tarak glowered impatiently. Xal and Sera smiled. Through the high window, they could see the outline of Earth. It was in shadow, etched with glittering networks of golden lights.

  “Welcome back to Earth,” Ambassador Rahman said ironically, with a quirk of his eyebrow. “I do hope you will enjoy all that we have to offer.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Sera stood in the corner of the giant ballroom, sipping her whiskey and watching the crowd. The who’s who of international politics were congregated in this room, dressed in black-tie finery. Aliens mingled with the Humans, most clad in their traditional formal attire.

  A congregation of Avein delegates stood close to her, sampling the buffet and looking quite ethereal with their large black wings. She saw a group of aliens she didn’t recognize; these guys had black scales and four arms. They wore striking, deep red robes.

  “I’m surprised to see you here, sister.”

  Sera turned. Her older sister Avery stood behind her. Avery was statuesque and slender, her artificially straightened hair dyed blonde and arranged in an elaborate updo. She wore a shimmering lilac gown and and a glittering diamond necklace that probably cost as much as a small island in the Pacific.

  She looked Sera up and down with a hint of disapproval in her eyes. Sera wore all white; a fitted, satin tuxedo jacket and slim white trousers that hugged her toned legs. Her curly hair was tamed into a quiff and her face was free of any make-up. A pair of glittering onyx chandelier earrings were her only adornment.

  Avery smiled, but there was no warmth in her eyes. “We haven’t seen you in a long time, dear sister. To be honest, I didn’t think you would show up, since you’re so busy with that little job of yours.”

  “Wait until Monday,” Sera said mildly. That’s when she’d scheduled the release of her latest story, along with carefully edited footage from her time onboard Silence. “Then you’ll see what I’ve been doing in my ‘job’.”

  “Maybe,” Avery smirked. “But I’m a bit too busy to go over every minor news story that comes out. I’ve got my final law exams in two weeks. Once I graduate, it’s straight to the company boardroom. It’s a shame you didn’t choose to work for the family, Sera. You could have gone far by now.”

  “Apparently, I didn’t fit the psychometric profile,” Sera said nonchalantly. “And I’m quite happy with my job, Avery.” Sera sipped her drink as a man came up behind Avery, greeting her with a peck on the cheek. This guy looked about ten years younger than her sister. He flashed his teeth in a too-perfect white smile.

  “George, meet Sera,” Avery said smugly. “She’s the sister I told you about.”

  “Oh, so you’re the one?” George held out a manicured hand, greeting her with a raised eyebrow and an empty “nice to meet you.” Sera shook it with the grip of a seasoned fighter, making him wince. She knew his type. Every time they met, which was admittedly rarely, Avery had a different young pretty-boy hanging off her arm.

  George must be her latest acquisition.

  “You haven’t brought a date, Sera?” Avery asked pointedly. Sera’s perpetual single status had long been a source of speculation amongst the family.

  “I’m expecting someone,” Sera replied, sipping her whiskey in a relaxed manner. Avery raised a skeptical eyebrow.

  “You had better be,” a familiar low voice rumbled behind her. The next thing she knew, a possessive hand was on her waist, and Sera was being pulled into a kiss. Xal’s lips were warm and insistent, and he kissed her unashamedly.

  “You look stunning, Sera,” he rumbled, as Avery and George stared at them in shock.

  Enjoying her sister’s discomfort, Sera took a moment to check Xal out. He’d taken her advice and gone for the regal prince look, this time wearing a tailored black jacket with silver trimmings. It accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist. His horns had already started to grow back, forming small points at his temples. He’d left his beautiful white hair loose, adding a touch of wildness to his refined appearance.

  Sera watched Avery’s blue eyes go wide. Her sister struggled to regain her composu
re. It was all quite hilarious. “Meet my date,” she said, twining her fingers with Xal’s.

  Xal held out his other hand in a perfectly executed handshake. He’d obviously been practicing his Human manners. “Xalikian Kazharan.” He shook both Avery and George’s hands in turn.

  “And who might these Humans be, my love?” He managed sound imperial and disdainful, but his eyes sparkled with mischief as he looked at her.

  “Xal, meet my sister, Avery, and, uh, George.”

  Xal nodded as the Humans stared at him, unable to disguise their fascination. “You’re one of those guys,” George blurted. “Shit, we thought we were all screwed when you showed up in Earth’s orbit. You don’t know how many sleepless nights I’ve had worrying about the invasion, man.”

  Beside him, Avery managed to look infuriated. Inwardly, Sera smiled. He was just a kid, after all; it became obvious when he opened his mouth. He probably wasn’t even out of college yet.

  Xal’s expression turned deadpan. “We considered that option,” he said seriously, “but I think Sera would be mad at me if I did something like that. An alliance will suffice, for now.” He said the last part rather ominously.

  George paled and Avery looked dazed. Sera started to pull Xal away. “Well, it’s been nice catching up, dear sister and George. Perhaps I’ll see you again in a year’s time at the next Ambassador’s Ball.”

  Xal nodded as Sera dragged him away. She led him out onto a balcony overlooking the sea. Thankfully, everyone else was inside, leaving them alone with the soothing sounds of the ocean.

  “I know it’s fun, but don’t scare the Humans too much,” Sera growled, as Xal pulled her towards him.

  “Sorry,” Xal replied, tracing his fingers around her waist. “I just couldn’t resist after I saw her looking at you that way. If she was Kordolian, she’d do quite well for herself on Kythia. But enough about her. May I just re-iterate that you look incredible, Sera Aquinas?”

  “Speak for yourself.” Sera snuggled against him, enjoying his warmth as they looked out towards the inky blackness of the Pacific Ocean.

  “Your planet never ceases to amaze me,” Xal murmured. “Look at this place. It’s incredible.” He stared out at the sea. Sera couldn’t see a thing, but she knew Xal could make out every detail in the darkness.

  Kordolians, after all, were creatures of darkness.

  “I can’t believe you Humans have been quietly sitting on a hidden paradise all the way out in this remote sector. Kythia is a veritable shithole compared to your lush planet, Sera.”

  The wind buffeted them, teasing Xal’s hair and carrying a faint hint of mist and salt. “Well it’s your home now, Xal. I’m glad you like it.”

  “Apart from your infernal sun,” he grumbled. “But those sunglasses you gave me work wonders.”

  “So are we going to see any more evil Kordolians trying to attack Earth?”

  “Not if we can help it. Silence chased Ristval V to the edge of Sector Nine, where they found a wormhole. That’s how they arrived here without detection in the first place. In the end, they chose to flee rather than engage. When Daegan and Alerak tried to escape by returning to the wormhole, Silence fired a highly destructive fission missile after them, collapsing it. I don’t think we’ll be seeing them again anytime soon, if at all they survived. And if they come back, we’ll be ready.”

  “So now it’s just you guys and us.”

  “It’s just you and me, Sera, the way I like it.” He tightened his arms around her waist and she leaned into him. This had to be the best Ambassador’s Ball she’d ever attended, just because Xal was here with her. She usually dreaded these kinds of functions.

  For Xal, it was an invaluable opportunity to mingle with the representatives of Earth and other planets and gain some useful contacts.

  “I thought at least Tarak and Abbey might join us for this occasion?”

  “Goddess, no. He hates formality. This would be torture for him. Besides, he’s not leaving Abbey’s side for a while. Personally, I’m planning to steer clear of both of them for a while. He’s become irritable and overly protective. Didn’t you hear? She’s with child.”

  “Holy moly.” Sera whispered. “Then what you told me about Humans and Kordolians and our uh, biology is true.”

  “Did you have any reason to doubt me?” Xal pulled her closer as the sea roared below, its rhythm soothing and familiar. “After all we’ve been through?”

  “No,” Sera said. “It’s just that hearing about it actually happening really hits home.”

  “I’m excited about the possibilities,” he whispered. Sera detected pain, but also tentative hope in his voice.

  “So am I,” she said, and for a while they just stood there, looking out at the sea. There was so much left unspoken; so much she knew Xal would rather leave unsaid. It was all too raw for him; too painful. Silently, Sera vowed to honor the precious lives he had lost.

  There was still so much she had to show him on Earth as he forged a new path for himself and his people.

  The Universe was ever-changing. Nothing stood still.

  But there was one thing Sera knew for certain. She had found her Kordolian Prince, and there was no way she was letting him go.

  That was absolute.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Xal stared out at the Humans, who were assembled in what they called the Federation Senate. This seemed to their equivalent of the Kordolian High Council, but based on what Sera had explained to him, positions were won through merit, lobbying and hard work.

  Well, most of the time, anyway.

  This was a much better system that what existed on Kythia. On occasion, Humans could be surprisingly sensible. As a race, they were much more complicated and developed than he had initially thought.

  In front of him was a small device called a microphone, which apparently amplified his voice.

  Xal leaned forward. This was his chance to put the matter to rest, once and for all.

  Across from him sat a man he recognized as Sera’s father. The elder Aquinas sat impassively, his strangely colored blue eyes watching Xal’s every move.

  “There has been some confusion and misinformation of late,” he began, as a sea of faces turned towards him. “I have been told that Humans are afraid. Some believe we are here to colonize Earth and become your overlords. I want to categorically state that this is not the case. You all know very well that if we wanted to do such a thing we could. Human military technology isn’t advanced enough for you to defend against us.”

  Murmurs echoed throughout the large space as his words sank in. The Humans sounded dissatisfied. No-one liked being told that their defenses were essentially useless.

  “And yet, we have done no such thing,” Xal continued, demanding their attention once again. “Only recently, a hostile Kordolian warship arrived in Earth’s orbit. It was sent by the Old Kordolian Empire to try and take back critical military assets we had claimed. They threatened to destroy Earth. We launched an operation that drove them off. This operation would not have been successful without the help of a certain Human. By now you have all seen the footage and read the reports of your daughter, Sera Aquinas. You know what happened. If not for her, you might not be sitting here today.”

  Xal cast his eyes across the room, meeting each gaze in turn. “Sera is my mate.” He paused as the implications of his statement sank in. He looked at Senator Aquinas. The man’s face was like stone, his jaw clenched tight. Xal returned his stare. “Should anyone or anything threaten her or the planet she lives on, we will not hesitate to fight to the death to keep her safe. General Akkadian would do the same for his mate. You are at risk, Humans. Whether it be from Zarthians, Kordolians or Xargek, the word is out. Sooner or later, you are going to be overrun if you don’t have protection. That is why I wish to propose an alliance between Humans and Kordolians. In exchange for being granted asylum on your planet, we will provide you with all our military resources. It is obvious that you need us on Earth.�
� He looked up and saw Sera sitting in the gallery. She winked at him. Xal resisted the urge to smile indulgently at her. That wouldn’t do. Not when he was addressing the leaders of Earth.

  “So I will put this to you, leaders of Earth. We are here, and we intend to stay. My question to you is: are you ready to accept us?”

  He stepped away from the microphone and left the leaders of Earth to discuss their options.

  Regardless of what they decided, he had made up his mind.

  He wasn’t going anywhere.

  ~~~

  Sera sat on the stone bench, enjoying the bright sunshine and sipping a latte as Xal emerged from the Senate Chambers. As he stepped out into the light, he winced and pulled out the pair of vintage Ray Bans she had bought for him.

  Sera grinned. With his long, platinum hair, dark Kordolian suit and sunglasses, he looked like some sort of alien rock star.

  Excited squeals reached her ears and Sera was bemused to see a group of teenaged schoolgirls intercept Xal as he headed towards her.

  They babbled excitedly amongst themselves before one of them worked up the nerve to approach Xal.

  “Um, Mister, can we get a photo with you?” Unlike most older Humans, they had no problem speaking Universal.

  Xal looked down at them in surprise. “A photo?”

  Sera almost choked on her coffee as she tried to suppress her laughter.

  “Please?” The three girls, who looked as if they were about fourteen, giggled.

  “Uh, I’m not sure what this is all about, but sure.” Xal stood awkwardly as the teenagers surrounded him, pouting as one of them released her drone cam. It flew into the air, clicking and snapping. The girls giggled some more, while Xal just looked confused.

  Sera smirked at him as his expression turned into one of mild distress. Her suspicions were correct. Kordolians were going to be the next big thing on Earth.