Conviction

“Mister Todd Landon was adamant about staying in his own home and commuting, but it’s not practical.” Mi’ko ran a hand over the desk, then checked his fingers for dust. “And with the rise in protest against us across the planet, it’s not safe. Even though his government insists it is.”

“If you say so,” Mi’cin said. “He didn’t strike me as very logical after our brief meeting.” He went to one of the windows and opened it. “It would be nice to have quarters like this for myself. Does he need all this space? He’s one male.” He inhaled deeply and viewed the park below. “It smells like home. But it’s a replica, not the real place.” His nose crinkled.

“Mi’cin, don’t sulk. Our living situation isn’t that bad, and you are not a child.” Mi’ko put a hand on his son’s arm and squeezed. “I know you hurt. We all ache for our home, but these ships are our home, for now. It’s a pain we all share. By working with the humans, especially Todd, that pain and the loss of our home will lessen.”

Mi’cin’s expression fell. “Assuming the humans will work with us.”

“Please be supportive.” Mi’ko frowned. “I understand you have your misgivings, but please.” He inhaled, smelling the damp trees. “And since when have you not enjoyed the ship’s gardens?” He looked out to the woodland where several tall trees, paths, and waterways ran in countless directions.

The grounds were replicas of some of the famous parks on Benzee and her satellites. The ship’s builders gave as much space as feasible to allow people the chance to enjoy the open space. The artificial light that mimicked the day-night cycle of Benzee had gradually been adjusted to the length of Earth’s day.

“He does, indeed, have a better view than us, but that’s all right.” Mi’ko grinned and thought.

This new position for Mi’cin will help focus him. Give him a chance to interact with the humans and learn about them.

“A view of space would have been equally nice,” Mi’cin said, “but I doubt he’d be used to such a thing.” He turned back to the window. “Such a waste.”

“I assure you it’s not a waste.” Mi’ko ran a hand over the soft fabric of the chair. “Considering the nature of this position. Plus, I thought a view of nature and all the fresh scents would make him feel more at home. It will give him a sense of what Mentra Park was like.”

Mi’cin clucked his tongue.

“What?” Mi’ko questioned. “That was one of your favorite parks on Mentra. You made me take you there whenever we went to visit my parents. You loved the views of Benzee.”

Mi’cin said nothing.

“Mi’cin, please.”

“As you wish, Father.”

“I’d like to ask you to assist Mister Todd Landon to help him acclimate,” Mi’ko said. “It’s going to be hard for him at first. Even though he’s been studying our language and culture—”

Mi’cin’s sigh muted his father. “Of course. I’ll do my best. You have my word. Besides, isn’t that what your aide is supposed to do?”

“True, but this is the first time I’ve had an aide who’s my son.”

“Well, Vi-Narm can’t do it all, and your other aides are busy,” Mi’cin said. “I can use the experience, as you and Mother both keep telling me.”

“I can think of no one better to support me.” Mi’ko focused on his son. “You know, you’re both very quizzical, so you will be good for each other. I hope you can become friends.” He reached out and gently touched Mi’cin on the cheek.

A soft chirp came from the door. It opened to reveal Vi-Narm. Her tightly braided hair had a few wisps out of place; her breathing was heavy.

“Vice speaker, there is a problem with the Envoy position. General Gahumed, with the support of General Fanion, is calling for a special session in the council chamber.”

“What now?” The muscles around Mi’ko’s eyes twitched and the tips of his ears started to warm. It had been like this for several weeks. These continued issues with his own people were taking far too much of his time.

“Thank you for picking me up.” Todd glanced over at Mi’cin, who sat in the black sedan with him. He was jealous at how everything Mi’cin wore seemed to fit him perfectly. Particularly with his bright green eyes and his perfect soft brown hair.

He looks a lot like his mom.

“You are welcome,” Mi’cin said.

“I’m a little nervous.”

“It is understandable.” Mi’cin focused on his datapad. “You race has inferior space travel, but I can assure you it is as safe as flying in one of you antiquated airships.”

Todd clasped his hands in front of him, resting them on his padfolio. The news of Mi’cin now being one of Mi’ko’s junior aides made him personally uncomfortable, especially after the questions Mi’cin asked at the White House dinner. Professionally, it was a good opportunity. They would both be learning, which meant he wouldn’t be the only one screwing up.

“How do you like the new job?” Todd asked.

“The position is a challenge. However, it is putting some of my knowledge to use. I, like you, have much to learn.” Mi’cin spared a glance at Todd.

Todd sighed.

“What’s wrong?”

“You mean, more than getting on one of your shuttles?” He continued with a forced smile. “My cat, Bianca. I’m leaving her behind, and I’m going to miss her.”

Mi’cin was quiet a moment. “You are close with your animal companion?”

Todd nodded.

“As I’m sure Vi-Narm informed you. We do not yet know how you feline will react to our closed environment and what feline-carried bacterium could do to our cádo and other animals. It is too much of a risk.”

Todd stared at his hands and his padfolio.

“Interesting. It is clear this conversation make you unhappy and is not something you wish to continue.” Mi’cin tapped his fingers over his datapad. “You personal belongings will be sent to you new quarters. I am glad we reached a satisfactory solution with you living accommodations and maintaining you residence on Earth.” He slipped the datapad away and tapped his hand on his leg.

“Well, it’s home, you know? There’re a lot of ghosts there.” Todd rubbed his hands on his legs. “It’s hard to just pack up and move, especially since I can’t bring Bianca.”

“Ghosts? You mean nayus, spirit energy?” Mi’cin leaned in.

Todd chuckled.

Wow. A part of human culture that actually interests him.

“No, it’s just a human—well, English…American—saying. It means a lot of memories.”

“Memories of you husband? Of the life you had?” Mi’cin asked.

“Yes, that’s all part of it.” He glanced out the car window, not wanting to talk about it. He hoped Mi’cin wouldn’t pry. Was it prying, or was he trying to make conversation? The Nentraee, and Mi’cin in particular, were so formal and stiff it was hard to read his body language.

“I will have to check into that. American English colloquialisms are difficult to understand.” Mi’cin pulled out his datapad.

“You’ll want to add researching the differences on when to use ‘you’ and ‘your,’” Todd said.

Mi’cin made notes on his datapad. “Thank you, Mister Todd Landon.”

Once the sedan pulled up to the Nentraee checkpoint, they got out. The Nentraee security watched them. Mi’cin withdrew a plastic card that looked like a credit card, and the security person scanned it. They spoke quiet enough Todd missed what they said, but he still picked up on musical qualities in their accent.

Sadly, they speak better English than I do Nentraee even with their missteps and incorect word choices.

“Welcome, Special Envoy Mister Todd Landon,” the security guard said with a thick, lyrical Nentraee tone. He was a tall male with fair features. He had blue eyes and dirty-blond hair.

Mi’cin stopped and turned to Todd. With pursed lips, he quickly returned to the sedan, shaking his head, the tips of his ears seemed a bit swollon and they definitely had hinks of blue. Mi’cin pulled out an envelope. He immediately headed back to Todd.

“Forgive me.” He handed the envelope over. “Mister Todd Landon, these are the diplomatic papers and identification you will need.”

Grinning, Todd opened the envelope. The papers were mostly written in the Nentraee language, but some of it was in English.

“Do you need my passport?”

The guard processed the question. “No need, but please keep…Nentraee badge at all times. The other papers are…records.”

Todd found the card in the envelope and handed it to the guard.

“The card is encrypted with”—he pointed at Todd—“DNA,” the guard added.

That explained the physical exam. Both groups, human and Nentraee, wanted to monitor his physical reaction to the Nentraee environment. He pocketed the ID badge, placing it with his passport and pocket watch. The two items that reminded him of who he was. One a government-issued identifcation and the second a gift from Varick, his former boss. He was also the man who, if not for him, Todd really wouldn’t be here.

It was because of that first meeting with the Nentraee that Todd was here today. It was also because of Varick Jerry died. No, not Varick per se, but because of the terrorist who blew up all those people and destroyed parts of San Jose. Varick, like Todd, was an innocent victim. He sighed at the memories, feeling the slight tick of the watch. It was now his anchor to home. He put the rest of the paperwork in his padfolio as they walked over to the shuttle.

Wow! So, that’s a Nentraee shuttle. I wonder what makes it fly? I wish Jerry were here to see this.

From the outside, the shuttle seemed more like a large private jet. However, the design was organic and smooth. Everything was seamless—even the windows didn’t appear to have a starting or stopping point. It seemed to be one solid piece.

Mi’cin vanished through the access port, but Todd stopped, for a nervous second, before following him.

I can’t believe this. I’m getting on a spaceship. A real live spaceship with a real live alien. So freaking cool.

“Please, have a seat, Mister Todd Landon.” Mi’cin sat as well.

Todd examined the interior. His stomach flipped with excitement, or was it worry? He wasn’t sure which. The inside of the shuttle was much like a private jet or what he thought one would be like. Various seats swiveled with retractable tables and workstations. He ran his hand along one of the windows.

“It’s not glass?”

“No. We use a transparent metal. There is no human word for it,” Mi’cin said.

Todd nodded as he continued his examination. On one side of the cabin was a couch and, across from that, a large screen displaying the Nentraee government seal. There was a smaller gray panel next to it. The cabin door in the back was emblazoned with the same seal as the large monitor. By the ship’s front entry was what Todd thought must be the flight-deck door.

“This is the vice speaker’s private shuttle. You and I, as well as the rest of his staff, will travel in this ship. It is equipped for diplomats to travel, and it is relatively comfortable. It can even be used for small meetings, should there be a need.” Mi’cin pointed to the back. “There is a private compartment, which is for the vice speaker’s use only. He and Vi-Narm are coded to open the cabin door.”

Todd nodded.

“We will also use this shuttle for ship-to-ship travel,” Mi’cin explained, starting to swipe information from his datapad to the terminal in front of him.

One of the security personnel entered the main entry port, placing his whole hand on a panel next to it, which closed the door. If they end up working with CRiNE, they wouldn’t need to use their whole hand, just their finger, assuming the deal was approved.

I hope that all works out. It would be good for Varick.

“We leave shortly,” the guard said, moving to the front of the ship. The flight-deck door closed behind him.

“How long will the flight take?” Todd ran his hand over the chair. The material was soft and cool to the touch—like leather, but silkier. They were cream with touches of dark blues throughout. The chairs and couches were embroidered with a Nentraee symbol.

“Not long. Two and half standard hours, perhaps less. Travel is longer in the atmosphere. Our ship’s engines have to counter gravity, and the Federal Aviation Administration rules, but once we are in space and beyond the satellites, we will move faster. Much like the human space station and rockets, outside of gravity, travel becomes much easier and faster.”

“I see.”

This is how the uber-rich must travel when they fly.

Mi’cin focused on his datapad.

Todd stopped watching what Mi’cin was doing and gazed out the window in silence. He wasn’t sure what to expect, but it amazed him when they lifted off and there was no noise. The airport grew smaller as they ascended. This was nothing like air travel. It was smooth and quiet, with no large engines and no pressurization, nothing clued him into their liftoff.

As Todd continued to check out the cabin, he thought Mi’cin observed him. Todd even thought he saw the alien smile.

When the shuttle transitioned to space just beyond Earth’s atmosphere, there was a contrast between the dark of space and the blue of the planet below. The curve of the blue world had a hard edge with a few white clouds breaking it up.

Todd gasped and dug his fingers into the seat. “Dear God.”

“Are you all right?” Mi’cin’s voice was tight and loud.

“I’ve never… I mean, we’re in space. That’s Earth. We’re really in space. I wasn’t expecting. I mean…this…wow.”

“I assure you, we are perfectly safe,” Mi’cin said. “I was never impressed with space travel, not even when we went to Mentra or one of the other satellites or stations around our world. It was routine. I do not even remember hearing of accidents.”

“How can you not be impressed? This is absolutely incredible. I should have taken a shuttle ride before this. I need my phone to take some pictures.” The lump in his stomach started to lessen. He felt his pockets, but, of course, he didn’t find his phone. It would have to be modified to work with the Nentraee systems anyway.

“Why don’t you enjoy the view? We will reach the fleet soon. I assure you, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to take photos.” Mi’cin grinned at him. “It only gets more interesting from here.”

“I wish Brad could see this.”

“You, or is it your?”

“Your”

Mi’cin tapped on his datapad. “Your brother?” Mi’cin questioned.

“Yep. Man, he would love this. He’s very much chomping at the bit to see one of your ships. His trip to the cultural ship only made him want to see more. He’s always been into the idea of space travel. I guess that’s why he’s working for NASA.” Todd’s cheeks were getting sore from the smile.

“Well, as soon as all the details are worked out, he and your”—he glanced over to Todd and Todd nodded—“friends will be able to come visit you as often as you would like.” Mi’cin’s eyes narrowed and his face became more serious as he checked the datapad. “Ah, the files on ghosts and American colloquialisms have loaded.”

Todd ignored him as he enjoyed the view from the window. The rest of the trip was silent while Mi’cin reviewed his device and Todd took in the sights of Earth and all the Nentraee ships. The alien ships made the International Space Station look like a child’s homemade space project using toilet paper rolls and tinfoil.

How backward we must seem to them.

Todd leaned forward to see out the window.

These ships are huge. No wonder some of them are visible from Earth. Man, look at all those smaller ships rushing about.

Todd wasn’t sure what he had expected, even with the photos provided by NASA and the Nentraee. Perhaps boxy, clunky ships that had no style, built solely to evacuate as many people as possible. But these ships, much like the shuttle, had an organic appearance. They showed wear and tear, and various small pod-type vehicles attached to the larger craft, providing maintenance. Quick flashes of light sparked from the areas where repairs had to be made. Even so, everything about them appeared seamless, as if made of a single piece of metal.

“My God, the Ràdo,” Todd mumbled, opening his padfolio and pulling out the photo of the battle cruiser.

The Rádo’s design was nothing like the civilian ships. Blocky armor plating covered the hull. No clear grand domes or view ports showed themselves. Instead, a smattering of small pinholes, like portholes, at the bottom of a ship, where light emitted from the inside. The only things larger than the huge cannons, breaking from the hull, were the oversized drives—one on each side—meant for intercepting and outmaneuvering. What appeared to be sensor arrays broke from different points of the ship, all varying sizes of spiky masts. Smaller plasma, or laser, gun turrets popped out like mushrooms all over the vessel. Several large communication dishes towered near the top of the beastly ship. The utilitarian crafts attending it were like ants caring for their queen; nothing compared to this monster.

He shuddered.

We would never stand a chance against them if they decided to attack.

The shuttle turned. The battleship disappeared from view, while the speaker general’s ship came into sight.

“Wow,” Todd whispered.

Larger than the Ràdo, the speaker general’s ship had sleek lines with huge windows and clear domes, a beautiful ship unlike the battle cruiser. Todd could see plants and what looked like blue sky inside. A floating city in space with smaller ships, shuttles, and pods dancing around it.

“You must have an impressive flight-control system to keep the ships from running into one another,” Todd said toward the window. When no response came, he turned. Mi’cin was busy, his head buried behind his terminal. Todd sat in silence as the outside crafts went about their business. Their shuttle reached the docking bay and came to a soft landing.

At the soft chirp of his device, Mi’cin lifted his head. “Welcome to the speaker general’s ship, the center of the Nentraee government, and your new home, Mister Todd Landon.” He stood as the door to the ship opened and he gestured to the docking bay. “Are you ready?”

Todd got up from his chair.

I’m gonna need a map.

Todd held his breath as they made their way past security and all the their ships coming and going. The docking bay was like an airport—there were all kinds of Nentraee rushing about. They rushed by faster than he could take it all in before they left the docking bay.

The small corridor opened up into a grand gallery with murals of different Nentraee and what had to be their home world. Some showed battles, others pointed to space with their planet behind. Another had a native female addressing a large crowd in a domed city with their home world behind them. One of the largest murals showed several Nentraee under a domed floating spaceship in between the Nentraee home world and their moons.

“What is that?” Todd stopped and pointed.

“That was Calda,” Mic’in stopped. “One of our largest orbiting cities. I believe it was home to twenty thousand Nentraee.” He sighed and his lips turned into a frown. “We were unable to save it during the evacuation of our world.”

“I’m sorry.”

Mi’cin was quiet and continued walking.

The passageway was filled with bright light and all manner of Nentraee rushing about. In addition to the pounding sounds of a crowd, Todd’s head filled with a symphony of Nentraee voices.

Mi’cin moved them along so quickly that Todd didn’t have a chance to appreciate the beauty of the ship. He passed through a giant arch that led to open spaces two or three football fields deep. When they finally reached the door to his new quarters, Mi’cin stopped.

“So this is it?” Todd asked.

“Yes. The door has been programmed for you.”

The wide corridor had soft flooring in neutral colors. Doors and a few windows lined both walls, all the way down to the end of the hall where a large glass opening provided a view of open space. Embedded in the walls, lighting filled the area, making it welcoming and secure.

This looks like one of those high-end luxury apartment buildings.

He moved closer to the door, and it slid open. “Neat trick.”

“You have automatic doors on…your planet.” Mi’cin’s head tilted.

Todd grinned and walked in.

“We tried to make things as familiar for you as possible,” Mi’cin said. “You will see you have a kitchen similar to what you have on Earth. In the study there”—Mi’cin pointed—“you have you…no your terminal that has been coded directly for you to use. You will be able to communicate with Earth from there as well. It has secure links to your planet’s antiquated datanet; I believe you refer to it as the internet.”

Man, Jerry would have loved that and been able to explain how they were able to do it.

Todd sighed.

Mi’cin ran his hand over several small devices. “There are various datapads for you to use. They should be familiar to what you have on Earth. Of course, ours are faster with additional features, such as three-dimensional imaging, bio scanners, multiholographic interfaces as well as other advances. You should find them easier to use.” He picked one up and tapped the device, causing it to activate. “They interface with any computer terminal on the ship that you have access to. There are also virtual visual interfaces you can use, should you be without a datapad or not near a terminal.” He put the datapad back on the desk. “We’ve equipped everything to work with you personal tablet device, phone, and the bulky portible computer device you own.”

“You mean my laptop?” Todd’s eyes narrowed.

“Laptop. Yes. That is what I meant. Thank you.”

“Great. That’ll be nice. I do hope your systems are in English, though. I’m still having trouble with your language.”

“We’ve modified them, yes. It will directly translate our language to yous…” Mi’cin stopped. “Yours?” he questioned, and Todd nodded. “And the other way around. We also enabled it to translate other human languages to English for you. The translation matrix is almost perfect; however, if you find a mistake, please report it. As you have already done with my use of your. The rest should be easy to figure out.”

Todd went to the window. “Wow! It’s beautiful. Is this what we passed on our way here?” The trees would make the redwoods of Muir Woods seem like saplings. The air had hints of what he thought might be pine, but that didn’t seem quite right because it also smelled sweet. Streams gurgled and waterfalls splashed. The sounds of nature amazed him.

“Yes.” Mi’cin joined him. “This is one of the many gardens on the ship. This park is a smaller replica of the one on Mentra, the second satellite that orbited our home world.”

“So beautiful. Thank you so much.” Todd’s face brightened into a grin. “I’ve always wanted a house with a view. I can’t imagine the work that went into all this.”

“The original park was almost ten times the size.” Mi’cin pointed. “I went there as a child. It was a favorite place.” He turned from the window, changing the topic. “Your…sleeping quarters are through there.”

Todd broke from gazing out the window and turned to Mi’cin.

Mi’cin gestured to one of the closed doors. “Along with a bathing room. If you would like to change the internal environment, that will be up to you. This is now…your home, and we want you to be comfortable here.” He ran a hand over the furniture. “I understand how humans like to leave their mark on things.”

Todd nodded and turned back to the window.

There was a soft bing and Mi’cin pulled out his datapad. “Your personal effects should be here in a couple of hours, once they are scanned and cleared.”

Todd wasn’t giving Mi’cin his full attention; he continued to check out the view of the park.

“You miss your home, don’t you?” Todd asked as the trees drifted back and forth and the water splashed.

“This has been my home for a long time.” Mi’cin stood a little taller, crossing his arms over his chest.

“It’s not the same.” He faced Mi’cin. Todd’s expression remained flat.

“No, it is not, but it is what we have left, and we have to make do.” Mi’cin shifted his stance, a blueish tinge at his neck.

Todd’s lips pinched together.

“As part of my duties, I will have Earth delicacies brought here once a week to stock the kitchen.”

He opened a cabinet door in the kitchen, revealing dishes, mugs, and cups. Todd would have to inspect them later.

“If there are special needs you require, you can compile a list, and I will do what I can to get them for you. The costs will be adjusted in your compensation, similar to that of your nonbusiness transport back to Earth. Our hope is that you will want to try our food.” He closed the cabinet door. “Our doctors assure us that our bodies have a similar digestion, so there should be no physiological issues.”

“Mi’cin, I can’t imagine how difficult this all must be. This place…” Todd looked around the apartment. “I’m sure this space was meant for more than just one person.”

He met Mi’cin’s eyes and could sense Mi’cin’s sadness.

“Your words are appreciated.” Mi’cin bowed.

“Thank you. Thank you for everything.” He walked around the space that was now his new home.

Mi’cin bowed again and moved to the door. “Mister Todd Landon. Would you like to see the rest of the ship? I am sure there are several of my people who would like to meet you. They have only seen humans from the broadcasts and the media or on the cultural ships. You might find it interesting.”

“That would be great.” Todd shook out his hands and bit his lower lip. “Mi’cin, can you and the others please call me Todd? We don’t use our full names. It’s a little awkward to hear my full name all the time.”

“Of course, Todd.” Mi’cin pulled out his datapad and made a note. “This time will give us a chance to get to know each other better, and I can share more about my home world with you, and you will be able to practice our language. I can also show you where you can shop and buy items for your life here.”

It had been a long day. Todd looked around the study as he got comfortable in the chair.

“I hope you enjoyed the tour of our ship and the company of my son,” Mi’ko inquired. “I hope he did not overwork you…no I believe Mi’cin said it would be your…recovering leg?”

“My leg is fine, almost completely forgotten. I’m supposed to exercise it, so the walk did me good, and Mi’cin didn’t go too fast.” Todd shifted his position on the chair as his leg tingled.

It was fine until we started talking about it. Now, not so much.

Mi’ko’s family apartment had more space than Todd’s. A big living room and kitchen with separate dining area. A hall off the kitchen led to what he assumed were bedrooms. On the opposite side of the general living space, a guest bathroom and a study could be found. Even with all the extra space, the apartment had a tight feel for the number of people who lived there. They seemed, however, to make it home. Plants and books, as well as different trinkets of what he thought to be art or decorative pieces occupied the space. Warm, but neat, furniture and an enjoyable woodsy scent completed the comfortable feel.

Mi’cin had brought him home for his first meal on the ship. It seemed like some kind of fish with rice and a vegetable dish. It was good, despite him being leery about not knowing what it all was.

I’m going to have a lot of research tonight.

The family dynamics fascinated him. Even though the older boys lived elsewhere, they were expected to enjoy dinner together. It would remain that way until they had families of their own. After dinner, they were excused by Laina. It was nice seeing them in this light.

We’re so much alike.

“This whole day has been amazing. The ship, the people, the food, everything’s remarkable. I can’t get over your technology. I’m sure every government has been after you to share it. You must be hundreds of years more advanced than us.”

“Actually you—your?” Todd nodded and Mi’ko continued, “Your space technology in this area isn’t that much farther behind ours. Of course, there are some differences: gravitational fields, resource reclamation, and our drive technology. But yes, they have asked about it.” He put his drink on the table. “We are considering it.”

“My brother would love to see all your ships. He sent me a text again last night, reminding me about it.”

Mi’ko sipped his drink.

Todd wasn’t sure what the name of the drink was, even though he had asked a couple of times. A’cen or A’xen, something like that. It had a fruity chocolate kind of flavor.

“Mi’ko, Mister Vice Speaker, may I ask a quesiton?” Todd sat back in his seat.

“Of course.” Mi’ko put down his glass.

“I don’t want to offend you, but why am I here?” Todd touched his chest with both hands. “I’m not a diplomat. I’m not a scholar, and I’m certainly not one of the great minds of my people.”

Mi’ko nodded with a polite smile.

“Not to mention, no one wants me here except for you and maybe the speaker general,” Todd said. “Hell, not even my own people want me here. Sure, everyone is pleasant enough and helpful when need be, but…” He frowned. “Even Mi’cin and Vi-Narm don’t want me here.”

The tips of Mi’ko’s ears turned blue and almost seemed to get bigger. He hadn’t seen this bodily reaction before on the vice speaker.

Maybe I offended him.

“It could be me. I don’t know.” Todd tried to backstep, seeing Mi’ko’s reaction. “They are nice enough, and Mi’cin did take me around today, but it all seemed forced. Like I’m an obligation, a task to be tolerated.” He took a breath. “I’m sorry. I mean no disrespect, but none of this makes any sense. Even my own government has…”

“Your government has concerns about our choice.” Mi’ko rubbed the tips of his ears, and the color and swelling started to fade.

“Putting it delicately, yes.” He laughed, sitting back, feeling absorbed by the same softness as the furniture in the shuttle.

“My son and Vi-Narm have also made their opinions clear on the matter. I apologize if it has made you uncomfortable.”

“I’m sorry if I sound like I’m whining. Mi’cin is fine and Vi-Narm…” Todd raked his hand through his hair. “We’ll figure out a way to work together, but that doesn’t explain why I’m here.”

So many people were heroes the day of the attack. What makes me so special?

Mi’ko turned to the bookshelf. “There is a book—” He pointed to a shelf. “—Laina pulled down for me to review. It was the night I wrote the declaration that allowed you to come here and possibly stopped an armed conflict with your people.”

It was Todd’s turn to nod; the government people had told him this in a briefing. He didn’t need to be told to keep it quiet. He wasn’t dumb. Still, he was sure people had found out, and it was probably why people were down there protesting.

Idiots.

“Todd, our two cultures are very different,” Mi’ko said. “Even among your world with so many different cultures, we find ourselves with very little to compare it to.” He stopped. “I didn’t lie to you when we talked of this at the hospital. It is a challenge to find the correct words.”

“I’ve done hours of research on this position,” Todd started. “I haven’t found anything about it.” He leaned in a bit more.

“Nor would you. It wasn’t part of our cultural information we provided your people. This honor predates the Clan War and many of our current laws; it is, as you would say, outdated.”

“So, before your world’s great war?” Todd said. He had learned that the clans were basically the various Nentraee races; however, prior to the Clan War, they rarely mixed. It was because of that isolationist ideology the clans went to war.

A global race war.

“Very good. You have done your research. Before the war, in order to try to build peace among our people, and within the clans themselves, we would have a special envoy from different warring factions. Our clans were small, not like what we have now. There were subgroups within the clans. The envoy would live and work within the group to understand them.” Mi’ko stopped and stared at his hands before continuing.

“How they lived. How they raised their families. How they worshiped. Learn what it was to be part of that clan. What made them special.” He turned to Todd. “With the purpose to avoid another war. As times changed, and the clans merged, these positions became rarer and more prestigious. They ranked higher than any diplomat and were extremely important to the group, and later to the clans. The goal was a simple one: peace.”

“So I’m kind of like a peace offering?”

“I do not think I understand the reference.”

Todd shook his head. “Um, it’s a gift you give in order to avoid war or a fight. Anyway, I think I understand what you mean.”

“All right.” Mi’ko continued. “We haven’t used this position in hundreds of years. After the Clan Wars, there was no reason. We were at peace, and we had to rebuild our world. But now, after the attack and the fear that more conflict was to come, we thought it might help.”

“So, why not have a person from each country? And more importantly, why me?”

“I would have thought that would be clear by now, Todd. You represent everything we value in a being.” Mi’ko’s face grew bright. “Just like with the envoys of old, they were selected not by their own people, but by the other group or clan they had been at war with. How else do you learn? How else do you gain peace?” He leaned in. “If you are given a diplomat, one trained by the government, they only have the interest of that government at heart.” His lips split into a smile. “As it should be, but that is why these people were so valued; they were normal everyday people. What set them apart was that the individual acted in an extraordinary manner and their action gained the trust of the other group.” He reached back to check on his tieback. “It was a deed that caught their eye; a kind gesture, a brave act, an act of gentleness, it could have been anything. No one knew, so no one could plan for it, because it could have been anything that caught the leader’s attention.”

“Like saving the life of the vice speaker.”

I guess that does make me a bigger hero than I thought I was.

“Your act of bravery was beyond anything we could have known would have happened here.” Mi’ko adjusted in his seat, his voice becoming softer. “Now I ask you, how better to learn of a people than by a male who would sacrifice himself for a stranger, an alien, a potential monster?” His brows raised and the smile grew bigger. “That is a person worth knowing, and that is a person worth having learn about us. Who we are.” Mi’ko found his drink again and sipped it. “That is why you are here, and that is why you are my special envoy, reporting only to me.”

“I had no idea how special this appointment is.” Todd picked up his drink and took another taste. “This is very good, by the way. It’s like a chocolate-covered strawberry.” He took another sip and felt the ticking of his timepiece.

Remember, be the man you want to be. The one everyone thinks you are.

“I’m glad you are enjoying it.” Mi’ko finished his drink. “I hope you will enjoy many things here with us. You know, sometimes, we do not get to pick what we want. Sometimes, what is really needed gets picked for us by some higher power. Its meaning not fully understood until everything plays out; keep that in mind when you question why you are here.”