by Nate Johnson
Professor Robinson finished providing the translation then stepped back out of the way of any possible explosion.
“What?” the Director bellowed as his face turned beet red. “How could you? You are betraying the entire Human race. You are a traitor to your species.”
Commander Jones slowly shook his head, but Nick noticed a small glint of amusement behind the man’s eyes.
Amanda smiled up at him as if he were a pure genius or something.
“You don’t even know what is in the agreement. You don’t have the qualifications to make such a judgment,” The Director hissed at Nick. “Grundal,” the Director continued, “don’t listen to this man. He has no experience in these matters. He has no understanding of all the things that could go wrong. I implore you. Please make this agreement.”
Grundal ignored the Director and studied Nick for a long moment. Nick could almost see the gears working in the Headman’s brain. What was to be his next move?
“What agreement would you suggest we strike with the Empire,” Grundal asked Nick as if he were asking which piece of Iron should be selected to make a new plow.
Nick smiled, He might not know what he was doing. But, like everyone else who had studied human history. He knew what should not be done. And agreeing to things before you understood the ramifications was number one on the list.
“Sir,” Nick said to the Director in Eundai so that Grundal could understand. He would let the Professor worry about the translation for the Director.
“If the Empire is willing to make a government to government agreement with the Eundai. I assume that means that the Empire recognizes them as an equal party to the agreement. With all the same rights and responsibilities to enforce and uphold the agreement.
The Director nodded, “Of course, or we would not be going through this fiasco.”
“Sir,” Nick continued. “Does the Empire recognize Grundal as the legitimate leader of the Eundai government? The sole representative who can make such an agreement?”
The Director frowned for a moment as he tried to understand where Nick was going with this.
“Yes,” he said hesitantly.
Nick smiled. “And does the Empire recognize the same planetary rights for Eundai as it does for all other planets, both Imperial and free. In other words. The right to control all land, sea, and airspace up to the edge of outer space, as measured by until the standard absence of atmosphere.
Again there was a long pause.
“Yes,” the Director said finally, “The Imperial mandate stops at the atmosphere’s edge. Just like on all of the planets. That is not in dispute. Of course, Eundai will not be admitted into the Empire. I don’t have that authority. And would recommend against it if I did. But it is recognized as a free planet.”
“Why do you ask these questions?” Grundal asked Nick. “Why would the Empire give such rights to the Eundai?”
“They’re not giving them to you,” Nick explained. “Like humans, the Eundai were born with them, these rights. It is a critical point. You are not animals. It is for the Eundai to decide what sacrifices they make.
“They cannot be dictated to by the Empire. It was what the Empire was founded upon. Local control at the planet level, Imperial control of the space between planets. If the Empire violates your rights. Then they may violate other planets. The Imperial Senate will not allow that. It is a slippery slope that leads to rebellion and revolution.”
Grundal frowned as he tried to work it out.
Nick ignored Grundal for a moment and turned to Amanda. “Miss Rogers,” he said, continuing to speak in Eundai so that Grundal could understand. “I assume your moths recorded the Directors statement, Can you please send me a copy of the recording.”
Nick glanced up into the corner of the throne room. As he had suspected, the Empire had scanning moths monitoring everything.
Amanda smiled and nodded her head as her fingers danced across her tablet.
“Grundal,” Nick said, “The Director has recognized your rights. Especially the right to control what happens here on Eundai.”
“Of course,” the Eundai said with a deep frown.
“Well, yes, now that the right is recognized. Then all other aspects can be adjusted. I recommend a new, simple agreement. Something that you can enforce. Something based on commerce, free and open markets. If the Empire wants something from you. Then, if you decide to comply, you can negotiate a price that you both find satisfactory.”
“Barns,” the Director exclaimed.
Grundal ignored him and studied Nick. “But what of the Scraggs, the Empire has offered to protect us from the Scraggs, In exchange, we give them open access to Eundai.”
Nick laughed. “Once they have open and unlimited access, you will be flooded by humans. Rushing to see the new aliens. Rushing to exploit and manipulate your people and your planet. You will sink under a sea of humanity.
“Your people will change. Your world will no longer be as you know it. It is going to change anyway. But if you control the access, you can control the rate of change.
Grundal nodded. “I see what you are saying, but what of the Scraggs. We cannot defeat them. Not yet, and the Director has refused to give us the weapons that would help us do so.”
Nick smiled, “that is the important thing, really the crux of the entire matter.”
“Yes,” Grundal said, “The Scraggs are everything. They must not be allowed to take out people. A sea of humanity, as you call it, would be better than having our children taken from us.”
“But,” Nick said. “The Empire will never allow the Scraggs to occupy this system. Even if the Eundai were to disappear, still they would keep the Scraggs away from here.”
Grundal’s brow narrowed into a deep frown.
“Commander,” the Director yelled, “shut him up.”
Commander Jones shrugged his shoulder. “I can’t. He’s a civilian, remember.”
The Director’s face continued to get redder and redder. As if steam were building inside a pressure cooker. For a brief moment, Nick worried for the man’s health. Even if only for Amanda’s sake.
“Sir ...” Nick began.
“Don’t Sir, me,” the Director barked. “You are betraying the human race. How can you live with yourself?”
Nick laughed. “Sir, the Eundai pose no threat to the human race. It will be generations before they are able to travel to the stars. Although, with the Empire’s help. That timeline can be greatly reduced. And someday, we very well might need them as allies. Screwing them over at our first treaty does not make for strong friendships.”
“Nick of Taurus,” Grundal interrupted, “You say that the Empire will fight the Scraggs even if the Eundai were not here.”
“Yes, Grundal,” Nick said. “The Empire cannot allow hostile star travelers to establish themselves so close to a wormhole that leads directly back to the Empire. It is an open gate to our homeland. Especially if the Scraggs boarded Discovery and learned anything from the ship that might help them.”
Commander Jones winced, and Nick knew he’d hit the mark. They must be very worried.
Grundal continued to frown as he tried to work out Nick’s thinking.
“The Empire will defend it with everything they have. In fact,” Nick continued. “I wouldn’t be surprised if an Imperial Cruiser or two weren’t on their way here right now. Isn’t that right, Commander?”
Commander Jones simply shrugged his shoulders. “We do not comment on the movement of naval assets.”
Nick laughed. “That’s okay, I think you just did.”
“Just because we will defend ourselves. It does not mean we will assist the Eundai by keeping the Scraggs away from them,” the Director said with a smile that let Nick know just how pissed off the man was.
Nick shrugged his shoulders. “You will, when the Scraggs threaten the destruction of a new and thriving market.”
“What market,” the Director scoffed. “The Eundai have absolutely no technology we cou
ld possibly need.”
Nick nodded slowly. “True Sir, but I don’t think you will find better silk in the entire galaxy than what is produced here on Eundai. In fact, once the men and women of Taurus learn it is made by an intelligent species, it will become all the rage, and as we know, the fashions of Taurus become the fashions of the entire Empire.”
Nick smiled to himself. This was sort of fun. Sort of like pulling an engine apart to figure out how it runs, “Plus...”
A quick hint of fear passed behind the Director’s eyes and Nick knew he was right.
“...plus,” he continued. “Once the Scraggs are cut off from their supply of Kruklane. I imagine the Empire will be very willing to buy it from the Eundai at very low prices and sell it to the Scraggs at a humongous markup. Especially when we automate the processing, removing any need for Eundai children.”
The Director swallowed hard, and Nick knew he was right again. In fact, he was relatively sure the Empire would use the Kruklane as a way to get its foot in the door with the Scraggs.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Amanda’s jaw dropping open, and her face turn white.
Putting her reaction out of mind for a moment, Nick continued. “So, Grundal you do have some power. Like I said, I recommend an agreement where you control the number of humans allowed on Eundai and the sale of your products in exchange for Imperial Technology. The price to be negotiated individually between both parties. In other words, an open, free, treaty that benefits both sides.”
“Would the Empire be open to such an agreement,” Nick asked the Director. “You get what you want, Kruklane, access to Eundai for your scholars. A market for Imperial technology. And a future friend. The only thing you don’t get is control.”
The Director grit his teeth for a long minute as he stared holes into his adversary. Nick ignored him. It would take time, but eventually, the man would realize this was the best for everyone.
The room was as quiet as the Corona desert at sunset as everyone waited for the Director’s answer. Nick held his breath. There was no plan B.
At last, the Director’s shoulders slumped as he nodded and said, “Yes, the Empire would accept such an arrangement.”
A collective exhale escaped from the humans in the room. Nick quickly translated for Grundal.
The Eundai Leader looked at Nick in surprise, his right eyebrow rising as he contemplated what had happened over the last few minutes.
“It seems I was right to demand that my friend, my brother, Nick of Taurus attend me today,” Grundal said with a smile.
Nick smiled at Grundal’s compliment. “Sir,” he said, “Will you accept such an arrangement for the Eundai. - The Human Empire would be allowed to visit Eundai only with your permission. They would be allowed to exchange goods with the Eundai at agreed upon exchange rates, and you as the Eundai leader promise to provide protection and provisions for the visiting Humans.”
Grundal studied Nick for a long moment as he let the words sink in. “How can we be assured that the Empire will abide by this agreement,” Grundal said. “What is to stop them from ignoring it and doing what they wish? We could not stop them. Not without much death to the Eundai.”
Nick nodded and said, “We must invite high-status humans to Eundai. Show them that you pose no threat. Show them they can achieve more through trade than through theft. My people are not like the Scraggs. They are far from perfect, yet, enough will see the sense in this agreement.”
Grundal grunted as he placed his arm around his son’s shoulders. Nick could tell that Grundal was nervous, obviously worried about making the wrong decision.
At last, he looked up and studied the Director for a long moment. Then glanced at each of the humans present before returning to stare at the Director.
“I may be willing to accept this agreement,” Grundal said after a long pause. “But, it must be done in the Eundai way.”
The Director’s brow furrowed in confusion. Nick’s stomach fell. This was not what he had expected.
“What is this Eundai way,” The Director asked the Professor when he had finished translating.
When the Professor shrugged his shoulders with bewilderment, The Director looked at his daughter for some kind of insight.
Amanda shrugged her shoulders just like the Professor.
“What is this Eundai way?” The Director asked the Headman.
Grundal smiled softly and said, “In the Eundai world, an agreement such as this can only be secured by marriage between the two families.”
“What?” Director Rogers blurted out.
“Your daughter must marry an Eundai or the agreement will not be accepted by my people.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Nick’s heart fell to the stone floor. Amanda being married off like a prize broodmare.
“What? No!” he exclaimed, stepping forward, waving his hands in the air as if he was trying to erase the last ten minutes of conversation.
This was impossible. How had he gotten them into this situation? Why hadn’t anyone ever told him about this ridiculous Eundai tradition?
Amanda’s face had turned a ghostly pale as she vehemently shook her head. Obviously as shocked as he was.
“No,” the Director said. “Impossible.”
“Of course,” Grundal continued. “You yourself can marry, or any other member of your family. A son, another daughter, perhaps. You have the choice of who you put forward.”
Each of the humans stared at Grundal, unable to believe what they were hearing.
“As for the Eundai,” Grundal said with a secret smile. “I will put forward my brother, Nick of Taurus.”
“What?” Nick blurted out as he desperately fought to understand what was going on.
“It is the only way,” Grundal said to Nick. “Only through this marriage can I be confident that the Empire will protect this world. If such a high-status female is married to my advisor, my brother in name. Only then can I be assured.”
Nick shook his head as he fought to figure out what in the hell was going on.
“You must do this for the Eundai,” Grundal assured him.
Nick’s insides tightened up into a rock solid knot. Swallowing hard, he glanced at Amanda, expecting to see her face twisted in horror.
Instead, she stared back at him with a shy smile. The kind of smile that could wrap a man around a woman’s finger.
“No,” the Director yelled. “No, my daughter is to return to the Empire. She is to ...”
“Daddy,” Amanda interrupted. “I am a grown woman and can decide for myself.”
Her father’s scowl begged to differ, but he bit his tongue and let her continue.
“If my ... sacrifice will bring peace to the situation. It is to be my choice. Mine and Nick’s of course.”
She quickly glanced over at him, sending a shiver down his spine. The woman was willing to go through with this just to make peace between the two species.
“No,” the Director said. “Your mother and I had plans for you. No, I will not allow this.”
“What?” Amanda asked, “Marrying me off to some up and coming Imperial courtier?”
Nick could tell by the Director’s stammer of denial that Amanda had hit the mark.
“Father, you need to understand,” Amanda said, “You need to hear me. Regardless of what happens. I will be spending my life here on Eundai. With Grundal’s permission of course.”
The Headman nodded, giving her the permission she needed.
“I will be studying, discovering, helping the Eundai evolve without being lost. That is to be my life. Whether it is with Nick or alone.”
Her father stared at her for a long minute. Nick could see the man’s mind frantically searching for some out. Some way to stop this.
His own insides were turning over in a dozen different directions at the same time. Amanda! How was this possible? He was a glorified mechanic for Christ’s sake.
Or at least he used to be.
The
Director glanced at Nick and shook his head.
“Why do I think you might feel differently if Nick were an old, gray-haired Professor?”
“But he’s not,” she said with a wide smile. “He’s a man every woman would consider excellent marriage material. Strong, honorable. A key advisor to a world leader. Of very high status in his new world. A world she very much wants to join. And, oh yea, not only that, but he makes a woman’s stomach flutter with butterflies.”
The Director winced at the butterfly comment.
Nick’s mouth felt drier than powdered milk in mid-summer. What had happened, what was she saying to him?
She shot him a quick smile, her cheeks were turning pink, but she didn’t look away. Her eyes implored him to be quiet and let her handle her father.
Nick swallowed hard and decided this was not the time to shut up. He needed to take control. He needed to say what needed to be said.
“Sir,” Nick said to the Director in the standard language. He didn’t want anything lost in translation. “You might as well agree to this arrangement. Amanda and I will be getting married regardless. Not to satisfy an Eundai tradition. But because we belong with each other. On any world. Under any circumstances, we would be together because a life without her would be a wasted life.”
A quick look at Amanda caught her staring back at him with a shocked expression as a small tear slowly spilled down her cheek. She smiled softly and mouthed the words ‘Thank you’ before turning to stare at her father.
The Director looked back at his daughter, a sad look in his eyes as he realized what he had lost. He held the stare for a moment then let his shoulders slump in defeat.
Amanda whispered “Yes,” as she rushed to give her father a deep hug.
Nick slowly shook his head, was this really happening?
Grundal gave him a knowing smile and turned to say, “We will agree to the arrangement once the ceremony is complete.”
.o0o.
Nick’s stomach turned over for the thousandth time that day. For the ten thousandth time in the last two days.
Now, here he stood, at the bottom of the stone steps before the East Entrance to the throne room. He’d roped Rowlings into being the best man. The coxswain had jumped at the chance to leave his shuttle and see a bit of the Eundai world.
