by Imogene Nix
He’d also noted the way they’d eyed off Jessa. He’d been quite uncomfortable and angered with the dismissive way some people had treated her. But he’d kept his feelings on those matters to himself.
Lost in his own ruminations, he reacted with surprise as the door opened. Danni and Jessa entered together. He smiled. Not only would Jessa have Seth with her on Hesparia, but now she would also have Danni. He watched as the two women had forged a strong friendship. It pleased him that she would have a friend and confidante.
“Have they made the announcement yet?” Jessa asked the words in a rush. He gazed at her. She might be impulsive and impetuous, but she was also truly beautiful all the way through.
He reached for her hand. “Not yet.”
She accepted his touch and that pleased him. He had a good feeling about today. After all, he had offered the people of Earth a range of things that would’ve taken them generations on their own to achieve. And this morning’s meetings had ended on what he would consider to be a positive note. He had made it clear they could not have their alliance without the agreement of the women migrating to Hesparia.
His people milled around, Joras waited silently on the seat reviewing notes and Seth and Danni sat together, their hands entwined. Seth would be invaluable to them when they got home to Hesparia. He would push for him to be absorbed into their Foreign Relations department. Danni could either take up a position in the same department or he could see if there was a suitable position for her in the guardian unit. He was sure that should the announcement go the way he envisaged it would be easier for all from this point on.
A knock came and he stood as the door opened. “Captain Galan? Could you and your people please join us in the Assembly Hall?” The young man who made the announcement indicated the room at the furthest point from where they had waited.
Galan nodded. The moment they had all been working towards had come. They rose, and took positions, calmly traversing the corridor towards the big doors which opened for them. They moved in silence down the steps towards the podium in the great hall. The Secretary General smiled in welcome and behind him the Prime Ministers of Australia, Great Britain and the President of the United States waited.
He could feel the trembling of Jessa’s hand in his but right now, he was focused. His escorts indicated the position he had taken the first time he had addressed the assembly.
The Secretary General cleared his throat and opened with remarks about the enormity of the decisions they had been discussing. How they had never expected in their life to make any form of contact, let alone that it would be a diplomatic mission. Jessa squirmed slightly in her seat. Galen smiled, hoping that the talkfest would soon be over.
The Prime Minister of Australia then took over, telling about her first meeting and the things the Hesparian Envoy people had already done for those in the small town where they had made their first contact. The healing that had occurred and the chance they could grasp to make leaps in health care. After she’d finished, she smiled almost benignly and Galan wanted to laugh at the attitude of motherly caring that sat so oddly on her face.
Then the Prime Minister of Great Britain took over. “We have taken every care to address the issues raised by members of the Assembly. In each and every meeting, we have carried your queries and questions to the Hesparian delegation.” He stopped and scanned the assembly room. “We have taken your concerns on board and have sought ways to mitigate your concerns.”
“To that end…” The President of the United States took up the lead. “It has been resolved that we, the people of Earth enter into a diplomatic agreement with Hesparia. As an act of good faith, we give permission for three hundred women to migrate to Hesparia. They will be offered training, housing and if…” He stopped and Galan leant forward, eagerly waiting the full pronouncement. “If they choose, they can then enter into a marriage like agreement.”
The speaker for Great Britain took over again. “We will also set up a diplomatic headquarters on Hesparia. Captain Galan has assured us that the requirements of transport will be made available to us and one will be placed in each of the continents of our planet. In return, Earth will enter into an exchange where our doctors and physicians learn from theirs and return home with that knowledge and skill. Technicians will travel to Earth and train our best and brightest so that within seven years, we should have the capability and expertise to undertake interstellar travel on our own.”
As the woman’s words died away the room erupted into cheers and shouts. Not all in total agreement he noted, but the majority found the declaration to be positive he saw with satisfaction.
“The process…” The American held up his hands, silently requesting the members to cease their noise and resume their seats, many having risen during the announcement. “The process of choosing the women will be undertaken by each country. Each of our member countries will be allotted a share of the positions.”
Galan looked at Jessa, she was smiling but he detected a hint of sadness too.
“Why are you sad?” He spoke quietly to her, but she shook her head. This was a moment of triumph, not sadness. He wanted to grab her but she looked away.
“Captain Galan?” The words surprised him and he looked up. “Will you address the assembly?”
He stood and made his way to the lectern, looking for some way to concentrate when he was both frustrated and concerned at Jessa’s attitude. He looked out. The sea of expectant faces waited.
“On behalf of Hesparia. On behalf of my people, I thank you. And I thank your people.” He inhaled deeply. “It is on this momentous occasion that we can take pride in the fact that our two races can once more be together. Learning to co-exist peacefully and enhancing each other’s great civilisations. That together, united we can grow and develop safe in the knowledge that this is but the first of such diplomatic alliances that we shall form together.” He bowed deeply and stepped away.
Jessa stood and smiled, but he could tell it wasn’t a real one and his sense of disquiet grew again.
And in time to the beating of feet and clapping of hands, they followed the dignitaries up the stairs and out of the room.
They proceeded together to an office she had not previously entered and were invited to sit. Jessa took the seat farthest from Galan and the officials, checking out the heavy woods and reds of the décor. It was comfortably furnished but to her mind quite soulless. She much preferred Galan’s office on the Princess Gospah. The way the ship reacted to her emotions.
She watched the dignitaries smile socially while refreshments were offered and she accepted a cup of tea. Galan had, during his time on earth, professed that he had enjoyed the taste of coffee so he accepted his and sipped. She drank in his mannerisms knowing their time together was coming to an end and trying hard not to let it show just how deeply that knowledge cut.
The Prime Minister of Australia sat down opposite him. “So, let’s nut out how many each country should provide towards your target. I’d like to know just how you intend to transport them, of course.” She smiled once more but as always, it never reached her eyes.
Galan inclined his head. “Of course. I have a ship waiting just beyond your moon. It has berthing facilities for six hundred, but with its crew of nearly ninety I feel that we can make the situation adequately comfortable on the six week journey.”
The Prime Minister looked shocked. “You were so sure of our determinations?”
“No. But we wanted to be prepared in case you gave agreement. We will transfer them over a period of about a week in your time. My ship is capable of planetary travel, unlike the one awaiting us in Australia.”
He smiled blandly. “Of course, we will send Seth and Jessa ahead of us to facilitate the comfort of the women.”
“Oh dear. You do seem to be under some misapprehension. Neither should have an automatic entry into the ballot for migration.” The President sat forward in his chair. “You see, with Miss Bankia’s history and Mr Bock’s skills
, neither would be what we would consider appropriate.”
Galan tensed and Jessa watched nervously. “And you seem to be under some misapprehension, Miss Bankia and Mr Bock have both become members of my crew in the last few weeks. They are upstanding and honest as well as loyal. I will not leave either behind.” His face was set and his lips thinned. Jessa gulped as her stomach churned. She was not going to buy into this argument, because she knew she wasn’t going with him.
“Captain Galan…”
He stretched forward smiling. “Actually in your terms, it’s High Prince Galan. Jessa will be my consort. It is my intention that Seth will act as our technical advisor. I will not leave either behind.” They sat back, their faces white with shock. Neither had seen his true position coming. As Jessa sneaked a look, Agent Foley, Seth and Danni seemed to betray no surprise.
“I would also like to include both Agents Foley and McCall in advisory capacities for now. If you wish to draw from the three hundred to cover their inclusion, so be it.” He spread his hands expansively.
They huddled together and Galan sat back, obviously very sure of himself and his position.
“High Prince Galan… We do feel, quite strongly that neither would be able—” The Prime Minister once more began only to be cut off, mid-sentence.
“Unless that is acceded to, then our agreement is over. Then you will need to propose to your world an alternative plan. This has already been announced. Amidst great fanfare. It will also leave our alliance in tatters. It’s both or nothing.” His eyes glinted and she saw their reactions to his comments and the air of determination. “Is it really worth the angst and embarrassment?” He smiled, easing back in his chair and Jessa was reminded of a childhood song, reminding her to never smile at a crocodile. He looked to be all gnashing teeth and shining eyes, and she knew instinctively he was ready to argue with them. It was a side of Galan she had never seen before and she nearly inched away in reaction.
They huddled again for a moment, chattering urgently and there was shaking of heads, more quick talk followed by nods. The President now became their spokesperson. “Of course, we would be more than pleased to accede to your requests. How soon do you intend to begin the recruitment?” He was smooth, Jessa would give him that, watching as he switched gears from the vanquished diplomat to conciliatory conspirator.
Then they settled back, discussing the logistics of the ballot. Australia, England and America would each take fifty positions, leaving the remainder for other countries, allowing for those who conscientiously objected during the voting sessions. It would be based on a suitability matrix drawn up of those with the necessary abilities for an agrarian lifestyle, allowing for women between the ages of twenty-one to thirty.
The meeting drew to a close and they left once more in the motorcade for the hotel, Galan and Joras both smiling widely. While Jessa brooded over what had taken place.
Chapter Ten
Galan watched as Jessa lowered herself into the seat. After nearly two and a half…weeks—and he privately doubted he would ever easily get used to the human terms—in New York, he was ready to get back to the Princess Gospah.
They had finally signed the agreement just that morning, now that the ground rules had been fully agreed to. He reflected on the stiff formality of the signing. Jessa had attended that and the lunch after, but her mood hadn’t appreciably improved. In fact, if anything she’d become quieter and paler in the last week alone.
He sighed, picking up the sheaf of paper dictating the rules for the ballot. They had been circulated widely and applications were due to be received within the week. The flow chart was detailed and he checked it through, shaking his head at the paperwork each government had formulated to ensure what they considered to be an adequate process. Each application would be checked for suitability and the credentials of each candidate scrutinised. Then a ballot would take place in each location and the list forwarded to himself and Jessa for perusal.
It seemed a terribly long-winded process to Galan, but he was happy to finally be able to have a date for the beginning of transportation of each of the women. Every prospective migrant had to be ready to travel within a week of the announcement of successful placement, flying into Sydney then they would be shuttled over via bus to Parkes, where they would be taken to the Princess Gospah.
He glanced at Jessa who had begun making lists of necessary items each woman would be able to carry with her. Under her responsibility came weight restrictions, medicals and placement aboard the ship. Each woman would share a cabin with three others, hopefully encouraging them to interact and form lifelong friendships.
Jessa had rolled her eyes at the idea of all those women together in confined spaces for six weeks, and mentioned that it wouldn’t hurt to have a human female placed with them who ranked above them all. As a result, it was decided that Danni and Seth would then travel with them on the mother ship, now that they had declared themselves to be in a relationship, and Jessa would remain in constant contact with Danni.
But it still didn’t ease his concerns over her behaviour. “Jessa?”
She turned slowly, her eyes looking bruised and her skin pale. “Yes, Galan?” Her voice was thready.
He moved next to her, dropping to a crouch.
“You are unwell. When we get back to the Princess Gospah the healers will look at you.”
She nodded tiredly. “I’m really exhausted, Galan. Do you think…?”
“Yes. Sleep will help.” She inclined the seat and he found a blanket, draping it over her as she closed her eyes. He was worried about her. In his mind, he ran through her symptoms, ready to note them for the healers. Sleepiness, and even a touch of nausea now. Plus her body is so sensitive…
Sensitive breasts… Could she be…? He almost wasn’t game to continue the thought.
He’d lost Gospah in childbirth. If Jessa was pregnant, then he would take extra special care of her. No way did he intend to lose the one he loved most.
But even as the thought crossed his mind his knees shook. A child… The first in many years born on my planet. Joy filled him, but he strove for a calm demeanour. He had never intended to let her go, but now, there would be no argument. In his mind, he started preparations. She would need to have her own things around her. That would mean taking her to her parents to collect her belongings. He understood her relationship had become more than strained since they had become aware of his mission and her connection to him.
He sat down with his message cube and started listing what could be done to ease her workload. If she was pregnant then he would not allow her to overtax herself. But as he watched the clouds passing by the window and she continued to sleep, he found himself looking at her, taking in her pale countenance again and again. But he knew and accepted the truth. I love her. He smiled.
* * * *
Jessa woke as the plane landed. She didn’t feel refreshed. Her stomach churned and she was sure she was about to be sick everywhere. She slipped a hand over her mouth and one over her stomach as it lurched uncertainly.
She must have made some sound because Galan was there, ready to offer assistance. “Here, let me help you.” He had her on her feet and cleared the way to the bathroom where she was violently ill. She was sure she was about to die as her stomach roiled and jostled.
After several minutes and breathing carefully through the worst of it, the feeling passed and she rose unsteadily to her feet. Galan was there again, offering her a damp cloth to wipe her face and a glass of water to wash the taste of the bile from her mouth. The most overwhelming emotion that flooded her was embarrassment. How could she throw up on him like this? Jessa raised a shaking hand to her clammy forehead feeling increasingly foolish. “Galan…I…”
He folded his arms around her. She wanted to cry as her knees wobbled.
“It’s okay, Jessa. Let’s get to the vehicle and get you settled.”
From that point on he treated her like spun glass. He collected her bag and coat then h
elped her down the steps to the waiting car. Once settled in the air conditioned comfort she began to feel a little better. A bottle of water was pressed into her hand and a packet of dry biscuits.
“Try these. They should ease your stomach.” He slipped into the vehicle beside her and tugged her against him. Feeling so weak and useless was something she had little experience of, and it wasn’t a comfortable emotion, she decided wearily.
It’s probably some twenty-four-hour bug I’ve picked up in New York. As they travelled the kilometres back to Parkes, her body resumed its usual rhythm once again. But Galan was acting edgy. When they stopped he’d almost escorted her all the way to the ladies and made Danni stand outside the door of the stall. Jessa decided that even though she understood his fears it was overkill. And something she would discuss with him later. Then the realisation hit. There would be no ‘later’, for them. She swallowed the sense of loss that clawed at her and smiled. Once they were back in the car, he cuddled her close against him. He had been affectionate before, but now he seemed to be making some kind of personal statement. She wasn’t entirely sure what it was, not that she really had the energy to even try to decode it.
By the end of the third hour, somewhere past Orange, she was settled enough to fall into an uneasy sleep.
This time she dreamed and it was a jumbled and upsetting mix of images. She was leaving Galan, watched as he made to step onto the eli-pad but he turned one last time, to bid her farewell and she could see something in his arms. Something wrapped in blankets, which he held close against his chest. She woke realising that silent tears dripped down her cheeks.