I make my way, receiving a single smack on my rear as I pass him.
“Do you think you’re finished addressing me properly, pet?”
“No, sir,” I groan, rubbing my bottom.
We catch a lift to the shuttle and launch immediately. All of my recent flights have been very short, and though I’ve gotten used to ascending faster than a bullet from a gun, I’m taken by surprise when the ship doesn’t stop at the upper atmosphere. Before I have any idea it’s about to happen, our shuttle lifts right into space, giving me an astonishing view of the planet from above.
“Holy shit,” I gasp, grabbing hold of my seat and hanging on. “We’re in… we’re in… oh, fucking wow!”
Tamrys laughs. “The eloquent Sabine Marchessault, ladies and gentlemen.”
Risking a sore backside, I stick my tongue out at him. “Maybe if you’d told me we were going to space, I’d have prepared a little something. This is a big deal for me, sir! Like most humans, I have never been beyond Earth. It’s…”
Looking out the window, Earth looks small but incredibly beautiful. Yet I know down below there’s conflict, misery, and doubt. The urge to fight for it, to bring the peace I see from above down to the world below, rises in my heart. I feel like I’ve only just become alive.
“It’s something I’ll never forget, sir,” I finish, wiping away a tear. “I don’t want… we don’t want people’s first time seeing Earth from space to be the last time they see Earth, period. Not people like the mob from earlier, who are just scared and confused. It’s not right.”
Tamrys pulls me into a hug and pats my back. “Then you make people understand, Sabine. That’s what we’re going to do.”
Letting go of him, I turn to the window to find we’re already descending back toward Earth. “Is that why you brought me up here? So I could see Earth from space for myself?”
Shaking his head, Tamrys sighs. “I’d like to lie and say it is, but that’s not true. It was just the fastest way to get to Los Angeles in less than five minutes.”
My head swivels and my eyes bug out, recognizing the California coastline. “You’re fucking kidding me. We’re already here? How?”
Tamrys chuckles. “We can traverse the galaxy in a matter of days, pet. A few thousand miles may as well be across the street.”
As we descend, I can make out the Beacon like a giant needle stuck into the planet. Getting closer, I can see it looks similar to the Spire in New York, though it’s actually slowly changing color, casting gorgeous, surreal reflections over the water. Against the tangerine sunset, the effect is breathtaking.
We land in a cavernous docking bay and disembark. Waiting to greet us are several Dominars, led by a stunning, pink-skinned woman.
“Consul Tamrys, Sabine Marchessault, welcome to the Beacon,” she says. “Sabine, I’m Avyria. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
I shake her hand, trying not to let show how awed I am by her beauty. “The pleasure is mine. How should I address you?”
She laughs, waving the question off. “Just Avyria. I’m a non-ranked member of the Galactic Preservation Initiative, not military or leadership. I’m something of a media specialist, with a bit of journalism.”
“Interesting,” I say as we head out of the shuttle bay. “What does that mean?”
“I’m going to be hosting a talk show,” she explains as we ride a lift upward. “One that will open up a dialog between humans and Dominars.”
I nearly stop in place, an icy snake twisting in my gut. After the incident with Maggie Shaw, I’m not sure I feel completely comfortable going on a talk show—I assumed I would just be making an address.
“Don’t worry, Sabine. This is going to be a serious, intelligent discussion of the issues facing the Earth and humanity,” says Avyria, as if reading my mind. “Come on, I’ll give you a quick tour of the Beacon.”
We start with a massive auditorium, bigger than most baseball and football stadiums. Spanning the entire length and width of the Beacon and occupying several floors, it yawns beneath us like a massive chasm.
“Capable of seating more than one hundred thousand people, this will be one of the world’s top public venues,” Avyria says, beaming with pride. “Fully adaptable to suit any need, we intend to hold everything from concerts and sporting events to forums and benefits.”
The site is very impressive, but one issue bothers me. “How will people get here?”
“Shuttles,” she answers. “We’ll provide quick and free transport from multiple locations around the country, not just here in L.A.”
“Wow, that’s pretty cool.”
Leaving the auditorium, we ride upstairs to a much smaller studio. Tamrys, who says he’s already seen the place, asks me what I think of it, once I’ve had a chance to look around.
“It’s perfect,” I say. “Elegant and inviting—it makes me think of what Earth could look like fifty years in the future.”
Avyria grins. “That’s what we were going for. Have a seat, I’ll inform the rest of our guests that everyone’s here.”
“The rest?” I mumble as Tamrys takes my hand.
In less than a minute, Avyria rejoins us, followed by two people who could not be more different. The first is Jonathan Obregon, a short, middle-aged, noted political analyst and strategist I recognize from numerous panels and talk shows; the second is a woman who might well be the most recognizable person on the planet.
“Consul Tamrys, Sabine Marchessault, meet Bianca Hatcher and Jonathan Obregon,” says Avyria, guiding the two of them toward us.
“It’s a pleasure,” says Tamrys.
“I’m really… you’re… I really love… your music,” I stammer, shaking Hatcher’s hand. I’ve lost count of how many of her albums have gone platinum, but I know the lyrics to each of her number one hits. I’ve been a fan almost since the beginning, about ten years ago. I’ve even had more than a few hairstyles attempt to capture her current or past looks, though Bianca wore them all so much better.
“Bring it in here,” she says, pulling me into a hug. “I watched the summit, Sabine. You really made me proud.”
I’ve met plenty of celebrities in my career, but none have ever left me as star-struck as I feel right now.
“Thank you, B-B-Bianca. That means a lot.”
When we let go, she turns to Tamrys and shakes his hand. “Consul,” says Bianca. “I had to cancel an entire concert tour when the invasion started. You better not be planning to fuck us over.”
For a second, my heart stops. I’ve always loved that Bianca is so outspoken—it’s probably why she’s here tonight—but for all I know, Tamrys might have a mind to tie her down and spank her, even if she is a megastar.
“I promise I’m not,” he says, holding his hand over his chest. “I hope your fans can forgive the disruption. You would be more than welcome to throw a few shows here at the Beacon—you could be the first, if you like.”
“I’ll consider it.”
For a few minutes, Tamrys speaks with Obregon while I try not to faint while chatting with Bianca. Once she’s ready, Avyria points to the couches and asks us all to have a seat. Once she’s at her desk and we’re on comfortable on the couches, the studio lights dim.
We go live in three… two… one.
“Good evening from Los Angeles, and greetings to everyone around the world. If it’s late where you live, thank you for tuning in. My name is Avyria, and I work for the Galactic Preservation Initiative. Tonight I’ll be speaking with one of my colleagues and respected human guests in the inaugural broadcast of ‘Our Earth.’ Thank you for joining me.”
The lights come on again as Avyria introduces and welcomes each of us to the program. “Now we’re going to start with Executive Consul Tamrys.”
“Please,” he says, nodding. “No softballs, to borrow the human expression.”
Avyria nods. “In that case, I’d like to try to assume the perspective of a human, and ask why they should believe that the alien conquerors a
re as benevolent as claimed?”
“That’s a hard question to answer,” Tamrys begins. “If you’re a human, then why should anything I say be taken without a significant amount of suspicion? I’m not going to pretend my words will ever allay people’s doubts, and that’s fine. My mission is to achieve results that do the speaking for us, to bring lasting peace and prosperity to Earth.”
“And how will you do that?” Avyria asks.
“The Dominars’ Forward Delegation started this work by overthrowing brutal dictatorships and dismantling terrorist organizations and criminal syndicates. Since we arrived and those campaigns began, human-on-human violence and crime have declined to a historic low, a trend we believe will continue. At the same time, we have begun introducing machinery that will scrub Earth’s atmosphere and water for hazardous pollutants.” As he speaks, a hologram of the robotic devices appears in midair. “They should help us all breathe a little easier. And in the future, once we’ve established enough trust, we aim to introduce cures to human diseases, protective measures against natural disasters and more.”
“I’m sure the world will let you know if you’re not delivering on those goals,” Avyria says when he’s finished. “Now Bianca, would you be willing to share what you personally thought when you first saw news of the invasion?”
“Wow,” she replies, shaking her poufy blonde curls. “I mean, obviously I was shocked. I remember the moment super clearly. It was just jaw on the floor madness, like I was watching a movie or something.”
Avyria grins. “That’s totally understandable. How did you first hear about it? Were you getting calls or texts, or were you already watching TV at the time? Take us through that moment.”
“No, I didn’t get any calls,” says Bianca. “Actually my phone stopped completely—that shit doesn’t happen very often, so I knew something was up. I put on the TV, and there you were.”
“Has life at all gotten back to normal for you since then?”
Bianca shrugs. “Yeah, I guess so. We rescheduled my tour—check my website! I’ve recorded some new songs, so I guess I’m doing my thing again.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Avyria says. “I’m sure your fans are, too. Now, Jonathan, I’d like to get your take on the invasion. How would you describe public opinion of the Dominars right now?”
The man leans forward and links his fingers together. “You want my honest assessment, I assume?” he says, smiling sheepishly.
“Of course,” Avyria replies.
“I think it’s no secret that the world is divided,” Obregon begins. “Many speak like Consul Tamrys here, waiting to see the results before passing judgment. Others are less receptive and want the Dominars gone. I think it’s fairly even right now.”
“Which is understandable. Do you think opinion is trending in either direction, or is it holding steady at this point?”
Obregon sighs. “I don’t want to give anybody the wrong idea, because I can only state what I’ve seen in polls, and compare that to historical precedent.”
“Of course,” says Avyria. “Please go on.”
“In that case… at the moment, Dominar support is growing. There is a swell of excitement that you will be humanity’s saviors. The idea is certainly appealing. However, in all my studies of foreign occupation, there is always resistance or rebellion. Humans simply do not accept having their freedom taken away. Thus, I believe the trend will reverse in time, and humanity will reject the idea of Dominar control.”
“I’d like to respond to that,” Tamrys cuts in.
“Please do, Consul.”
“While I respect Mr. Obregon’s experience and expertise in the nature of humanity, I hope he’ll respect my lengthy record of presiding over young species living on conquered worlds—”
“By ‘young,’ do you mean primitive?” Obregon interrupts.
Tamrys bristles, glaring at the man, but keeps his tone level. “Out of respect, I said young, but in honesty—yes, most Dominars would describe humanity as primitive. Your history dates back thousands of years. Ours has lasted for millions, and our longevity has given us a very broad perspective on the life cycles of people, species, and entire worlds. From what I’ve seen, young species are very much like young people: they think they are wise, but they have much to learn. It’s my hope and prediction that humans will see there is nothing wrong with abiding by Dominar rule, as I promise it will be fair and will help humanity.”
“We hope so,” says Avyria. “Thank you, Consul Tamrys. Now, Sabine. I’ve saved you for last, since I wanted to give you the floor. For members of our audience who don’t know, Ms. Marchessault and Tamrys were involved in an incident in New York earlier today, and Sabine would like to speak about it with us all now.”
“Thanks,” I say, feeling everyone’s attention turning to me. “Like Avyria said, today we were attacked—first by a mob and then I was assaulted by a small group of men. If Tamrys hadn’t protected me, I don’t know if I’d be here speaking now.”
Tamrys reaches for my hand and squeezes it tightly.
“Afterward, he told me that those responsible are being or have been arrested, and the sentencing would mean imprisonment on another planet. I asked him not to do that, to let them be incarcerated here. That’s not what I want for our people—even those who tried to harm us. It’s understandable that people resent the Dominars for taking over, and I’m guessing you’re tired of hearing that this is the way it has to be. Nobody likes to admit defeat.”
I look to each member of the panel, then turn back to Avyria. “In the interest of public safety and peace, I’m begging people to focus their efforts on helping one another. If the Dominars are true to their word, that they want to make this a planet for everyone to enjoy, prove to them that you can be part of it. Fighting is only going to hurt people—working together is the only way forward.”
Finished, I turn to Avyria and give her a nod.
“Thank you, Sabine. We’ll speak more with our guests in a moment. As part of our programming, we’ve prepared a series of profiles about the Dominars who will be coming to Earth and contributing in their own way. Here’s the first.”
She looks straight forward for an extra moment, then leans back in her seat. “All right, we’re clear. Thank you for being here, all of you.”
Tamrys pulls my hand to his lips and kisses it. “You did great, pet,” he says, leaning forward to whisper in my ear, “As soon as this show’s over, I’m taking you out for a very, very nice reward.”
Chapter Sixteen
Sabine
When we finish the show, I exchange numbers with Bianca, thus ensuring I will someday die happy, no matter what else happens. Tamrys and I then take a lift up nearly to the top of the Beacon.
“What’s this?” I ask as we exit, entering some kind of lounge and music hall. “How come Avyria didn’t show us this on the tour?”
He grins, setting his hands on my shoulders. “I wanted it to be a surprise. We’re calling it The Stars’ Destination.”
“It’s beautiful.”
Eclectic pieces collected from around the world decorate much of the lounge: Renaissance paintings, African tribal masks, Hollywood memorabilia—it could take hours to peruse all of it. Much more interesting though, are the pieces undoubtedly alien in origin: paintings of floating mountains, sculptures of six-legged beasts, holograms of faraway worlds—some of the pieces I couldn’t begin to guess their purpose, or their appeal.
“Where is everyone else?” I ask after we’ve looked around.
“It’s not open yet,” says Tamrys. “But soon both humans and Dominars will be able to meet here. Once Earth has settled into the reality of our rule, visitors will be eager to come here and experience… the local flavor.” He nibbles at my neck, wrapping his arms around my waist and swaying slightly to the music of a lone jazz pianist practicing on a nearby stage.
“Do you really think humans are going to want to come here?” I ask, stifling a groan as his tongue
moves to my earlobes, sucking and biting softly.
“Oh, sure,” he says, fondling my breast. “We’ll use the most unifying power in all the known universe.”
“What’s that?” I ask, shuddering from his touch. “Sex?”
“Free drinks.”
Laughing, I lean my head back against his shoulder and gasp as he squeezes my ass.
“Sex is a close second, though.”
I half expect Tamrys to strip me down right there in the lounge, but instead he pulls me to a table facing the stage. We listen to the music while holding hands; within a few minutes a human waiter arrives with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon.
“Is this a kind you like, pet?” Tamrys asks, showing me the bottle.
“Oh, yes, sir.” As though I’d be picky in a place like this.
The waiter pours our glasses, then leaves us be, returning to a bar at the other end of the stage.
Tamrys raises his glass. “To peace.”
I meet his toast, smiling, and then we drink. The wine is perfect—bold, with notes of black cherry. “It’s good,” I say. “We’re finishing that bottle.”
Chuckling, Tamrys nods. “By all means. Though I don’t want you getting drunk and passing out, pet. I’d like for you to enjoy tonight… and remember it.”
“Oh, please,” I say, rolling my eyes. “I haven’t gotten that drunk since college.”
“Is that so?” Tamrys leans forward. “That wasn’t a common occurrence for you back then, was it?”
“Me?” I cackle. “No. I might have gotten really drunk a few times a year—after midterms and finals, mostly. My friends, though… they could party. But you don’t really want to hear about that, do you?”
“Actually, I’d love to. Dominars don’t go to college—we have knowledge implanted through nanites—so I’ve always been curious about how other races learn. College, in particular, is interesting because it combines practical education with social exploration.”
“Okay, then. As you know, I was class valedictorian, so I didn’t party much. The first time I drank I was already twenty. My roommates had been begging me to go out with them, so I finally gave in…”
His Human Mate (Captives of the Dominars Book 3) Page 11