by M. K. Eidem
Forcing a smile she wasn't feeling, she crossed the bay. "Good morning, Ull."
"Trisha." He bowed his head slightly to her.
"Why do you have the educator?" Jakob asked.
"Did I not tell you?" Ull honestly couldn't remember if he had. He knew he had informed Veron and sent a comm to the Emperor about it. "The Earth Leaders wish to be able to speak directly to us."
"That is an encouraging sign."
As they spoke, Trisha moved to the remaining group, which consisted primarily of the men who had been the first taken. She'd sat with them, heard their horrific stories, and couldn't believe they'd only lost the one. "Let's get you home."
It didn't take long for her to get them all settled. They'd all traveled on several different shuttles during their time with the Kaliszians and knew how to work the restraint system. She had planned on sitting with them, allowing Jakob to take the co-pilot seat, but Ull gently gripped her elbow and guided her forward.
"You will sit next to me," he told her lowly. He hated leaving her earlier. The Earthians had waited this long to return home, and they could have waited another day. But his honor wouldn't allow him to suggest such a thing, especially as he knew Trisha would never have agreed. Still, that didn't mean he wouldn't keep her close. Ull needed to keep her close for as long as he could.
The flight down was as uneventful as the previous two, except this time she knew it would be her last. Looking to Ull, she let herself memorize his unique profile against the blackness of space. It was a stunning contrast.
Feeling her gaze, Ull looked to her and was stunned by what he saw in her eyes; awe and respect. No one had ever looked at him that way before. Not even his manno and Ull wanted to make sure that never changed.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, just enjoying the view."
Ull frowned at that and looking around the cockpit, found nothing unusual. Suddenly he realized she was referring to him and felt himself begin to flush. "The view from my seat is the most stunning I have ever seen."
"That is because you have a view of the Earth." Jakob's words broke the spell Ull’s words had spun around her. She'd been about to lean forward and kiss him, having forgotten where she was.
"Yes." Trisha made herself look away from Ull to her planet. "It is amazing, isn't it. Is it that different than the planets in the Kaliszian Empire?"
"Every planet in the Kaliszian Empire is different but beautiful in its own way. My homeworld, Kalbaugh, looks a great deal like Earth from space with its blue water and green vegetation, but very little of it is edible. Pontus, on the other hand, became a desert planet after the Great Infection. There is very little water there, and nothing lives or grows." Recently, he was informed this was changing, but he couldn't reveal that. It could take years, centuries even before Pontus returned to the fertile planet it had once been.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Once again, Trisha found herself before the world leaders, this time between Ull and Jakob.
"Esteemed leaders, may I introduce to you Minister Jakob Ruskin of the Kaliszian Empire, sent by his Emperor, Emperor Liron Kalinin." Trisha gestured to Jakob then switched to Kaliszian. "Minister Ruskin, may I introduce you to Earth's leaders. Representing the European Council, Chancellor Smyth. From the African Council, Chancellor Abara, and Chancellor Nguyen of the Asian Council. Chancellor Khatri represents the Australian Council. President Ochoa of Mexico. Prime Minister Gagnon, the leader of Canada. And President Garcia of the United States of America."
Ruskin bowed to each leader as she introduced them, the beads interspersed in his braids catching the light. "It is my great honor to be here," he replied once Trisha finished, "And to be able to return your people taken by the Ganglians."
"It is my understanding that not all of our people returned," President Garcia said in the way of a greeting.
"This is truth." Ruskin wasn't thrown by the lack of greeting, for he'd been a Minister for too long. "Unfortunately, one of your males met the Goddess before we discovered the Zaludians illegally mining on Pontus. But if you are referring to the two females, Ashe Mackenzie and Ashe Jennifer, it was their choice to remain on Pontus with their True Mates."
"True Mates?" Prime Minister Gagnon questioned.
Jakob lifted a group of his braids to show the beads placed in various locations. "Kaliszians wear their bloodline, their status, and their accomplishments for all to see. Overall our beads are called Suja beads, but each one represents something more specific. First, the bead at the end of every braid is an Elemental bead." He touched one of his. "They maintain our braids. The beads above them are called Attainment beads and reflect my accomplishments or milestones I have achieved in my life. The height of the bead on the braid indicates the worthiness of that accomplishment or milestone." Releasing those braids, he held up the one closest to his face. "These are my Bloodline beads. I received them during my naming ceremony. This one," he touched the first and largest bead, "represents my mother and her bloodline, which now runs through me. This one represents my manno." He pointed to the second bead just above his mother's before moving to the third. "And this one represents me, the new bloodline created by the Joining of my mother and manno. A portion of this bead has passed on to each of my offspring, claiming them forever as mine."
Releasing that braid, he held up the first one on the other side of his face. "This braid holds my True Mate bead and the Dasho bead given to me by my Ashe when she agreed to commit to me. It is my understanding you have something similar called wedding bands." He saw heads of several leaders nod. "I never wish to deceive this esteemed body. The Kaliszians are as much a warrior race as the Tornians. It is our nature to fight for what we want and to defend what we have. That hasn't changed because of the Great Infection. What has changed, besides us not being able to properly feed those we love most, is that our True Mate bead no longer transfers."
"Transfers?"
"Originally, Kaliszians only had our Ashe and Dasho beads to exchange. It caused problems when more than one male offered his bead to the same female. They would then fight to prove who was most worthy. Many fit and worthy males died during those challenges leaving a great deal of pain and heartbreak in its wake. Finally, the Goddess took pity on us and gifted us with the True Mate bead." He reverently touched the large swirling bead on the braid. "It can't be given or received the way our other beads can. It appears as a Kaliszian reaches maturity then transfers to one's True Mate as an outward and irrefutable sign of who belongs to whom. It stopped the conflicts, at least until the Great Infection struck."
"So, is that your True Mate bead or your Ashe's?" Prime Minister Gagnon asked quietly.
"This is mine." Everyone in the room heard the sadness in the Minister's voice as he rolled the bead between his fingers. He'd had high hopes for him and his Ashe after hearing about the General’s and Commander's beads. "While I love and am committed to my Ashe, as she is to me, our True Mate beads have never transferred."
"I'm sorry," Gagnon said. "You said your True Mate beads have begun to transfer again?"
That seemed to bring Jakob back from his thoughts. "Yes, Prime Minister, and while there are rumors of one transferring between Kaliszians, the only verified ones I know of are between Ashe Jennifer and General Rayner and Ashe Mackenzie and Commander Kozar."
"I'm sorry, Minister Ruskin, but I don't understand," Chancellor Nguyen spoke. "Earth women don't have True Mate beads. So how can they be exchanged?"
"It was surprising for us too, but as I stated before, our True Mate beads are a gift from the Goddess and appear when she wills it, as they did with Ashe Mackenzie and Ashe Jennifer. Few non-Kaliszians have ever received the gift, but it did happen before the Great Infection."
"So, these two Earth women can't ever leave these Kaliszians?"
Ruskin frowned at that. "The bead does not control them, Chancellor Nguyen. It represents the deep bond between them. I believe Ashe Mackenzie once referred to Commander Kozar as her Sou
l Mate, something rare on Earth."
"It is," President Garcia admitted.
"I hope that settles your question on your citizens remaining in the Kaliszian Empire."
"So, you are saying that they could return to Earth if they wished," Chancellor Abara pressed. "To visit their family."
"If that is their wish. But it is my understanding Ashe Mackenzie has no family on Earth. Ashe Jennifer, who is the True Mate to the Supreme Commander of Kaliszian Defenses, General Treyvon Rayner; her only relative, her sister, now resides in the Tornian Empire as its Empress."
The gasp that filled the chamber told Trisha none of them had made that connection.
"This has strengthened the already strong bond between our Empires."
"Do you agree with this statement, Warrior Ull?" President Garcia asked.
"Yes, Mr. President. I met with Ashe Jennifer and Ashe Mackenzie while on Pontus. They were both helping with those returning and seemed happy and content. They also had every opportunity to join us if they wished."
"Esteemed leaders," Trisha spoke for herself. "I have spoken in depth to those taken with Jennifer Teel-Neibaur and Mackenzie Wharton. They have assured me both women freely chose to stay on Pontus, and I feel that we should believe those that know them best and move on."
"Well said, Representative Burke." President Garcia looked to the other leaders and saw they were all in agreement. "Representative Ruskin, it is our understanding that besides returning our citizens to us, which we thank you for, you wish to enter into trade agreements with Earth for a variety of foodstuffs to feed your people. In exchange, you will also help protect Earth from the Ganglians."
"That is correct, President Garcia, but my Emperor is also aware that more is needed and has also authorized me to offer you energy crystals in exchange for the foodstuffs as we do with the Tornian Empire."
"Energy crystals?"
"Energy crystals are what power most of the Known Universes. They can provide light and heat and power all modes of transportation and weaponry."
"Are they why your blaster was able to bring down the Ganglians when ours could not?" Chancellor Khatri directed the question to Ull.
"Yes, Chancellor."
"How dangerous are these energy crystals? What pollutants do they produce?" Chancellor Nguyen demanded in quick succession.
Trisha saw Jakob's eyes widen slightly at the demand and excitement in the Chancellor's voice, but his tone didn’t reflect his surprise.
"Energy crystals on their own are harmless. They interact with their environment, nurturing it. They release no toxins."
"On their own?"
"Energy crystals occur in nature wherever life is found. Our ancestors learned how to harness their energy, and it advanced our civilization, as it did for the Tornians and every other civilization in the Known Universes. Things that cause harm can use them, such as blasters, but the crystals do not cause harm."
"There are energy crystals outside the Kaliszian Empire?"
"Of course. As I've said, where there is life, there are energy crystals. One only needs to know how to harness their power."
"If the Tornian Empire has energy crystals, why would they trade for yours?" Chancellor Abara demanded.
"Because Kaliszian energy crystals are some of the most powerful in the Known Universes."
"Is this true, Warrior Ull?" All eyes looked to Ull at Abara's question.
Ull hated admitting that the Kaliszians had something his people needed. It made them seem weak, but he also wouldn't tell an untruth. "While the Tornian Empire does have and uses energy crystals mined from our planets, it is truth that those found in the Kaliszian Empire are extraordinarily powerful and slow draining. Which is why they are the preferred crystals for use in ships and weapons."
"Would you be willing to share your technology with us in exchange for foodstuffs?"
"That isn't something my Emperor has authorized, but once I contact him, I'm sure he will be agreeable."
"Thank you, Minister Ruskin," President Garcia said. "I believe we all look forward to knowing his answer. Until then, as the other world leaders wish to hear from you directly, I believe we should adjourn so they can use your educator."
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Trisha frowned, looking to her tío when they went to Medical.
"There are concerns about what the educator does, and we decided that our medical personnel should monitor the procedure."
Chancellor Smyth was going first, but both Ull and Jakob frowned at the equipment being attached as Trisha translated.
"What's wrong?" Trisha asked.
"We do not know what these machines do or how they operate," Jakob told her.
"Or if they could somehow interfere with the educator and causing harm," Ull finished.
"You think that's possible?" Trisha couldn't keep the alarm out of her voice, and it had her tío moving toward her.
"What is wrong, Trisha?"
Looking at him, she found all eyes in the room were now centered on her, Ull, and Jakob. Switching to English, she spoke so all could either understand or have it translated for them.
"Representative Ruskin and Warrior Ull are concerned that the monitoring equipment could adversely affect the educator causing it to damage someone."
"What? Why?" The questions filled the room.
Ull didn't need to understand the words to know the questions. "The educator is powered by an energy crystal. The power source from your medical equipment isn't."
Trisha translated and then directed a question to the doctor who seemed to be in charge. "Have any problems been found in the returnees?" She refused to call them abductees anymore. "They've all used the educator, some more than once."
A doctor stepped forward. "We've found no ill effects from their experience physically. They are incredibly healthy."
"And mentally?" President Garcia demanded.
"We did brain scans on them and found nothing unusual, although many are suffering nightmares."
"I'd say that is understandable," Trisha murmured.
"I agree. I have extensive experience with hostages, kidnapping, and trauma victims, and I have to admit I'm surprised they aren't having more problems." He turned his gaze to the two aliens. "I don't know who is responsible for that, but I thank you. These people went through something terrible, but your treatment of them went a long way to helping them heal."
Jakob bowed slightly to the doctor once Trisha translated.
"I understand how you would want to understand how the educator works, Doctor…" Trisha trailed off.
"Monroe," he supplied.
"Dr. Monroe," she acknowledged, "but as there have been no adverse side effects found in any of the returnees, wouldn't it be prudent not to change how they administer the educator? To listen to the concerns of those trained in using it? Especially when we don't understand the technology?"
Dr. Monroe was silent for several moments then slowly nodded. "I can agree with that. While all the returnees were from the United States, they had diverse ethnic backgrounds. That leads me to believe that while this device did not harm anyone, our attempts to study it while in use might."
"Then may I suggest that we allow Warrior Ull and Representative Ruskin to direct where and how the educator is applied."
"As long as my staff may observe."
Trisha turned to them and translated.
"That is fine as long as that is all they do. The educator must power down before removed, or it may cause harm." Trisha made sure everyone understood that then nodded to Ull. Removing the educator from its case, Ull then walked over to the Chancellor carrying the educator. "Are you comfortable in this position?"
After the translation, the Chancellor replied. "Yes."
"Then close your eyes and relax. My vow, it will cause you no harm."
Taking a deep breath, she released it, and after doing as Ull requested, he placed the educator over her eyes.
"How long will this take?" Chancello
r Abara asked.
"It depends," Ull informed him.
"On what?"
"The person. The educator first assesses them to determine how quickly they can absorb the information, then transmits it at the optimal level. Besides language, this educator contains a great deal of information on both the Tornian and Kaliszian civilizations for your better understanding. It will take some time."
"How long did it take President Garcia or Representative Burke?"
"Several hours for each."
For a time, everyone remained and watched what Ull did, which was nothing once the educator was applied, except to closely watch the Chancellor. Doctor Monroe had asked several in-depth questions about how the educator worked, but once it became clear, Ull didn't know those answers, stopped.
"Come. Let's sit." Aaron said, guiding her to several chairs. "You don't need to be standing there the entire time."
"I might need to translate."
"If you do, you can hear it from here. Or I can. Now, did you bring your things with you?"
"You mean from the Searcher?"
"Yes."
"They're on the shuttle."
"I'll send someone to get them."
"They won't be able to get in. Ull sealed it."
"He still doesn't trust us?"
"Would you? If our technology was so much more advanced?"
"I suppose not."
"Trust takes time. It has to be earned, not given blindly. Isn't that what you've always told me?"
"Sometimes, you listen too well, Chica."
"It's the only way to learn. Something else you've always said."
"True, and here's something else that's true." He turned her, so they were staring directly into each other’s eyes. "I am very proud of how you've handled all this."
"It's not like I had a choice."
"Of course, you did. You could have refused. Lisa. Warrior Ull. Me. But you didn't. You've shouldered this weight for the entire Earth and, in doing so, made things easier for all of us."
"I don't see how. You and the other leaders are doing all the negotiating."