“She fought a duel—a duel to the death, I might add—to regain her honor,” Mel added. “I doubt your father has the balls to do the same.”
“It is for the sake of Jeremy Blunt that I would even consider establishing trade with Earth,” Kasumi chirped angrily. “His sake and no other, not even the human I call core sister.”
“That’s me,” Mel said with a cold grin. “Right now, my grandfather is the most important human being on Earth.” She walked over to the young woman. “And your father just tried to murder him.” The door to the office opened again, and this time, Sergeant Stilson walked in. “Take the colonel and Ms. Coolidge to the guest house,” Mel said. “Confiscate any communication devices and keep them confined until we figure out what to do with them.”
“Yes ma’am,” Sergeant Stilson replied. “Colonel, Miss Coolidge,” he said. “Please follow me.” He added, “And sir, miss, please don’t force me to order you strip-searched.”
Kasumi waited until the colonel and the senator’s daughter left the office before letting her crest lower. “Spirits, but this is a mess,” she chirped despondently.
“Not as big a mess as it would have been if Coolidge had succeeded,” Eisenstadt replied. “The first thing you will do is file a protest with the state department.” He smiled slightly. “Along with Ms. McIntosh’s video record, of course.”
“Of course,” Dierdre smiled back. “And I have an idea for what should be done next.”
17
CALIFORNIA DREAMING
“This is unacceptable,” President Spencer snapped. “Tell them to release Malcolm immediately,” he growled. “Or else.”
“No sir,” the current head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff replied. Even though he had forced the senator to travel to the Rynn enclave, General Oswalt had resigned anyway. Admiral Pharos was his replacement. “I’ve read Oswalt’s briefing. He was correct in his original assessment.”
The door opened, and the president’s executive secretary walked in. “Excuse me, Mr. President, but Governor Newgate is on the phone. He says it’s urgent.”
“Newgate?” President Spencer said in surprise. His eyes widened. “They wouldn’t.”
“It’s his state,” Admiral Pharos said. “Looks like they’re calling your bluff, Mr. President,” the admiral said in almost cheerful tones.
The president glared at the admiral and then went over to his desk and pressed a button. “Darren, what’s the problem this time?” he growled.
“Stow it, Spencer,” the governor of California snapped. “I just learned I have some honest-to-god aliens opening up a trading post in the northern part of my state,” he growled. “Two things: One is that they gave me a sample of one of their items for sale—a desalinization process that will convert sea water to potable fresh water for pennies an acre foot,” he said. “And two, they say that you’ve insulted them and they’re now planning to leave in a huff.”
“Now, now, Darren, it’s just a misunderstanding,” the president said reassuringly.
“That idiot Coolidge trying to assassinate a human they revere—a California native, I might add—is just a misunderstanding?” the voice boomed. “Now I am going to send a delegation to the aliens, and hopefully, hopefully, I will be able to mend some fences.”
“Now wait a minute, Newgate,” the president said angrily.
“Shut up, Spencer,” the governor replied. “I also had a chat with Lieutenant Commander Eisenstadt.” The president could almost hear the governor grinding his teeth together. “Not only did that shithead of yours try to assassinate Blunt, but the idiot brought his daughter along. Since when are the children of senators allowed to go on sensitive and confidential diplomatic missions?” There was a click as the call was disconnected.
The president looked at the phone.
“Heads up, Fuzzy Butt, we got company,” Cool Evening Breeze called out.
“That is not how you report, Lickin’ Chicken,” Corporal Hendriks replied with a grin. “And that’s Corporal Fuzzy Butt to you.” His grin got wider when Cool Evening Breeze chittered. “What you got?”
“Six of those SUV things,” Cool Evening Breeze replied. “One’s got flags.” She put the image on the larger screen.
“Well, well, it looks like the governor himself is paying a visit,” the corporal said in interested tones. “Let’s get a welcoming committee over there. I’ll let the captain know.”
“How about an all-Rynn committee?” Cool Evening Breeze suggested. “Humans can’t be trusted, after all.”
“Did anyone ever tell you, you have a nasty streak?” Hendriks replied. He nodded. “Do it.”
Cool Evening Breeze chittered to herself for a few moments. “Done,” she reported. She grinned a Rynn grin. “And I have Raindrops in a Tide Pool heading the reception committee.”
Hendriks whistled. “A really wide nasty streak,” he said in admiration.
The convoy of six SUVs stopped at the gate. The governor stepped out. He was young—one of the youngest men ever to be elected governor of California—with wavy black hair and Hollywood looks. Unlike others with those looks, he also had a first-class brain. “I don’t want to see anything that looks like a weapon anywhere in sight,” he ordered. “I want friendly and accommodating. I don’t care what they do, you will be friendly and accommodating.”
The bodyguards who half-surrounded him nodded glumly. One pointed toward the gate. “Welcoming committee.”
“Let’s see if our intelligence is correct,” he mumbled and took possession of a crate that one of his aides was holding—one of a dozen similar crates. The governor walked over to the gate. “Governor Newgate to see Captain Kasumi,” he said to the Rynn who appeared to be in command.
“Do you have an appointment?” the Rynn asked.
“Unfortunately, no,” the governor replied. “I tried, but you were, understandably I will add, refusing all contact.” He shifted the crate to one arm and covered his eyes with his free hand. “Please accept my apologies for my rudeness.”
“The captain is a busy Rynn,” the Rynn stated.
“I’m sure she is,” the governor replied. “I don’t expect her to see me right away, but hopefully she can make some time. If not today, then tomorrow.”
The Rynn chittered. “That was almost Rynn in form,” the Rynn said in approval. He nodded toward the crate. “That will have to be inspected.”
The governor nodded. “I have a dozen more just like it,” he said. “A peace offering, if you will.” He opened the crate and displayed the contents to the Rynn.
The Rynn chittered again. “Someone did his homework,” the Rynn said in English. “Maybe humans are not so incompetent after all,” he added in approval. “I am Raindrops in a Tide Pool. I will escort you to see the captain.”
“So Governor, what should we do with the senator?” Captain Kasumi asked. She munched on one of the carrots the governor had brought in obvious delight. She and the governor had spent the last hour together. They had gone over a wide range of topics, and it was obvious the governor was doing his best to get some kind of technology transfer out of the Rynn.
While Kasumi didn’t express it, she was impressed with the governor. Knowledgeable, concerned about his state and people, and above all, competent was her assessment.
“He can rot in hell for all I care,” the governor spat. “Unfortunately, that won’t serve either of our interests,” he added seriously. “I think the only thing you can do is send him back, but make it known that he will be unwelcome in any setting that the Rynn are involved in.” He chuckled nastily. “For someone like Senator Coolidge, that would be a true slap in the face.”
“He brought his daughter to a top-secret facility,” Lieutenant Commander Eisenstadt commented.
“A top-secret facility that does not exist,” the governor corrected. “Regardless, it is not a federal facil
ity,” he pointed out. “Much as I’d love to see him impeached, it isn’t going to happen.” The governor pursed his lips. “Still, he’s going to be trouble.” He waved a dismissive hand. “Nothing we can do about it now,” he said. “Let’s talk about how we are going to introduce you to the public.”
18
A GOOD CORE IS THREE
“Hey, Crystal,” Cool Evening Breeze called in greeting.
“Hey, Breeze,” the reporter replied. “Where’s your boyfriend?”
Cool Evening Breeze chittered. “Why?” she asked. “Getting lonely?” she said teasingly. She chittered again when the blonde reporter blushed. “I really don’t understand your attitude,” she complained lightly. “You like him; that’s obvious. And he likes you.” She chittered again. “And I like you. So what’s the problem?”
“It’s the ‘he’s your boyfriend’—that’s the problem,” Crystal replied. “Don’t waggle your crest at me,” she complained. “Don’t Rynn get jealous?”
“Yes, we do, but not over that,” Cool Evening Breeze replied. “How many times do I have to tell you? A good core is at least three.”
“Okay, then the fact that you’re a girl is also a problem,” Crystal replied.
“Dierdre is right. You’re hopeless,” Cool Evening Breeze said in disgust. “Even Hendriks is not as uptight as you.”
“Of course he isn’t. He’s bucking to have two women,” Crystal said. “Every adolescent male’s fantasy.”
“And I’m bucking to have two men,” Cool Evening Breeze replied. She grinned at the look of surprise on the reporter’s face. “Hendriks is a hell of a lot of fun, but he’s still human.” She waggled her crest. “I do plan on having children, after all,” she pointed out. “And even though humans and Rynn are physically compatible, we aren’t biologically.”
“Does Hendriks know this?” Crystal asked.
“Yes, he does,” Cool Evening Breeze replied. “Actually, that’s where he is right now.” She pointed upwards. “He’s talking to a couple candidates,” she said. “To see if they can get along,” she chittered. “And by get along, I mean he’s going to see which of them is willing to … well, you get the idea.”
“Hendriks? Mr. Macho himself, Hendriks, is going to sleep with a Rynn man? Hendriks?” Crystal said in shock.
“Well, unless he’s going to spend the night, I doubt he’s going to sleep,” Cool Evening Breeze chittered.
“Hendriks,” Crystal replied.
“Hendriks,” Cool Evening Breeze smiled. She took the stunned reporter’s hand. “Now, I think we’ve gone around this circle enough times,” she chirped cheerfully. “Oh, one thing. While Rynn men are not as endowed as some human men, most are more than enough to satisfy a human woman,” she chittered. “Just ask Dierdre.”
Crystal did call Dierdre, but not for that reason.
“Governor,” Crystal Chandler said in greeting. “Any comments you’d like to make?”
“Crystal Chandler?” the governor said in surprise. “What are you doing here?”
“Writing the biggest story of my life,” the reporter replied. She indicated the black woman standing next to her. “This is Dierdre …”
“McIntosh,” finished the governor. “Aren’t two Pulitzers enough, Ms. McIntosh?”
“I have a couple empty spots on my bookshelf,” the photojournalist replied.
“Of course,” Governor Newgate replied. “I’m afraid to ask, but how long have either of you been here?”
“We came together,” Crystal replied. “About three weeks ago now.” She grinned. “It’s been hell,” she said. “The biggest story of my life and anyone else’s life, and I can’t say a thing.” Her smile widened. “Not yet.”
“I don’t know which impresses me more,” the governor replied. “The fact that you’ve been here that long, or that you haven’t leaked this story in that time.” The governor became serious. “Can you answer one question for me?” he asked. “Why does an alien wear a Chinese sword strapped to her back?” He smiled wryly. “I’m the governor of California—I know Chinese characters when I see them.”
“Captain Kasumi was marooned on Earth. The person who found and sheltered her is, among other things, a grand master in kung fu,” Crystal replied. “She wears it as a reminder … and a warning.”
The governor nodded. “I suspected it was something like that,” he replied. “Actually, I have another question.”
“They’re for real, Governor,” Dierdre said firmly.
“That I understood,” the governor replied. “My question is, why?” He ran his hand through his hair. “About all we can offer them is carrots.” He looked back at the hangar. “And they’re offering us … the universe.”
“You want to know what the catch is, right?” Crystal replied with a grim smile. “Oh, there is definitely a catch.” The governor raised an eyebrow. “The question is, do you really want to know?” Crystal asked. “Dierdre and I know what the catch is—mainly because when the Rynn leave, we’re going with them.”
“They’re leaving?” the governor exclaimed. “But I thought they were going to open a trade post.”
“Maybe we should have said, when these Rynn leave,” Crystal replied. “If—and it’s still an if—the Rynn decide to open a trade relationship with Earth, there will be more Rynn here. But the Seeker will resume its explorations.”
“I’m confused,” the governor said almost petulantly. “They’ve already provided some technological transfer—the desalinization process, the fusion technology, Omiset.”
“The equivalent of trade beads, Governor,” Dierdre said in amused tones. “Obsolete technology, at least for the Rynn.” She smiled. “Well, not the Omiset, but I think you get the idea.” She shrugged. “Everything they’ve given us are things that are maintainable by our current technology.”
“The catch, Crystal. What’s the catch?” the governor demanded.
“The catch, governor, is that it’s a dangerous universe,” she said in serious tones. “If we join with the Rynn, then we will be subject to those dangers. There are alien races that think of the Rynn as food,” she said. “And if we are with them, we will most likely be considered food as well.”
“And you’re willing to go with them knowing that?” the governor said in shock.
“They do,” Crystal replied. “Of course, they run like the blazes when they encounter anyone out there, but they keep exploring.” She smiled wryly. “Funny thing is, the Rynn think of themselves as cowards.” She shook her head. “And yet they keep going.”
“Lord Jesus, but you have to admire them,” Dierdre said.
“They’re willing to give us the universe, and all we have to do is be their friends.” Crystal wiped at her eyes for a second. “All we have to do is love them.”
“Amen, Sister,” Dierdre said.
The governor was silent for a long time. He found he had to clear his throat several times before he trusted his voice. “I think … I think I have some calls to make,” he said.
19
INTERESTING TIMES
“This is CNN with a late-breaking exclusive report,” blared the station. The grizzled anchor looked at the camera. “For those who’ve wondered where Crystal Chandler has been for the past couple of months, the answer is astounding.” He walked over to where several people were sitting. One was a famous astronomer, one a popular science educator, and the third a special effects expert. “I apologize for not briefing any of you about what is contained in the video, but I wanted your honest and unfiltered opinions.”
A large video screen lit up, and the familiar face of Crystal Chandler appeared. “Good evening,” Crystal said. “I am Crystal Chandler.” She smiled. “When I was a child, I’d look at the night sky and wonder if there was anyone up there looking at their night sky and wondering the same thing. What you are about to see will answ
er that question, once and for all.”
She made a gesture, and the image changed to show a compound. “This is the colony. It’s a trading post,” Crystal said in voice-over. A figure exited a building and walked toward the camera. “And this,” she paused, “is an alien.” The being had cinnamon-brown skin, with a faintly birdlike appearance accentuated by the pink cockatoo crest on its head. The image froze.
“My god,” the astronomer exclaimed.
The special effects wizard looked at the image open-mouthed, while the science educator started to laugh. “Fantastic,” the educator exclaimed. “Wonderful,” he said between laughs.
“Professor, you’re laughing?” the host said. “Do you think this is fake?”
“Hell no,” the educator said. “I’m laughing because every so-called expert who dismissed the idea of there being aliens or such beings coming to Earth is probably having one large collective heart attack.” He giggled. “Excuse me, but this is just too wonderful.”
The astronomer looked at the image intently. “They must come from a very similar star system to ours,” he said, almost under his breath. “Notice she is not wearing anything to cover her eyes and does not appear distressed by our environment.”
“She?” the anchor said.
“Well, I may be making an unfounded assumption,” the astronomer admitted. “But it does look like a woman to me.”
“You are correct, Dr. Simon,” came a voice over the sound system. “I am indeed a woman.” The image on the screen shifted, and the alien who had been in the image was replaced by the same alien now sitting at a desk. “Good evening, Dr. Simon, Mr. Wise, Mr. Sparks, Mr. Wilter,” she said, naming the guests and the host. “I am Kasumi Blunt,” she smiled. “The name was given to me by an Earth man who had trouble saying my Rynn name.” Her crest waggled. “To be more accurate, I am a Rynn woman.”
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