Chapter 1-3
986 Words
Mark, Juraens, and Morgan entered the chamber and found the French, Russian, British, and Chinese delegates awaiting them. Startled, Mark asked, “Where are the others?” The horseshoe shaped table had many empty seats. The chairs behind the delegates were empty of assistants, aides, or translators.
::What others?:: Juraens looked quizzically at his Bonded.
“Where are the other ten elected members of the Security Council?” Mark looked at Morgan as if he were at fault.
“It was decided that the permanent members should take care of negotiations.” Nigel Ravenswald, the British Ambassador said in a mild tone of voice. “Please sit.”
“By whom?” Mark was belligerent.
“The General Assembly…” the Russian, Boris Soklov answered.
::They could be lying.:: Mark put his hand on Juraens’ forearm.
“Before we begin negotiations, we would like to see the resolution from the General Assembly,” Juraens asked. “We were instructed by the Council of Elders to ensure the entire planet benefits from our technology, not a privileged few.”
“Here is the document.” Lin Wang, the Chinese delegate, handed over a beribboned packet of paper.
::Scan this into your com link so we can upload it to the Concierge for storage in the Histories.:: Juraens handed the papers to Mark.
“As I believe you say, ‘Let’s get down to business.’” Juraens turned and introduced himself as the Prince of FireClan and Mark as the first Prince of EarthClan.
“Nigel Ravenswald, the United Kingdom. We want to honor and thank the Sarran People for saving Earth’s women. We know your time is limited but we would like to hold a reception for the officers of the ship and their wives, at seven tomorrow evening.” The Ambassador put out his hand.
::Follow my example.:: Mark shook his hand. He looked sideways and saw that Juraens had copied his movement.
::The last time you were on Earth, how long were you here before the ship arrived?::
::Two cycles and one tide.::
::Then you know we have to go to this function. They are the staunchest allies of the United States and their language has evolved to become the universal technical language for most of the other nations. Britain also has sway over Canada, Australia, and New Zealand and most speak English in India.::
Juraens tilted his head toward the ceiling and let out a heavy sigh. ::I want to get this nonsense over with so we can look for our fem. We want to ask for fems, coffee, chocolate, and cats. They want everything we have and more.::
“Andre Rosseau, the French Republic.” The French Ambassador gave a small bow. “We would also like to hold a reception to honor the Sarran.
::They’re all going to do this, none of them want the other to have an advantage. What can we do? I don’t want to spend all of our time at cocktail parties.:: Mark’s jaw clenched.
::Leave it to me, Treasured.::
Juraens acknowledged Rosseau.
The Sarran looked to the next man at the table. “Li Chow, the People’s Republic of China.” Li Pow bowed deeply. “We would also like to meet the other Sarran officers and crew. Since you seem to be able to travel at will, we would like to open the Imperial Palace for a banquet in your honor.
::He knows what’s at stake. Watch out for him. He already knows about the teleportation. They have very efficient spies.::
The fourth man stepped up to Juraens, having dismissed Mark with disdain as a homosexual but not daring to show his dislike to Juraens. “Boris Soklov, the Russian Federation.” Soklov stuck out his hand reluctantly.
::The Russians will put on a game face but know now, they hate us. They are very prejudiced against same gender couples and are persecuting them in Russia.:: Mark bit the inside of his cheek.
::He’s not shielding. I can read him. He is contemptuous.:: Juraens narrowed his eyes.
“You are, of course, welcome to the Russian Embassy for lunch, perhaps?”
Mark reached for Juraens. ::He’s slighting us by offering less than the others offered.:: Mark pursed his lips and leaned away from the Russian, broadcasting his feelings about the Russian and his politics.
::I’ll take care of it, Treasured.::
::I’m glad you’re good at this s**t because I’d be knocking heads by now.:: Juraens felt Mark’s grumble. He was unsettled by this development.
“Our time on Earth is limited. Yet we would like to meet all of the delegations in a more relaxed atmosphere. I suggest that we bring all of you and your wives or partners to the ship for a reception—what is this rising, Prince Mark?”
“It’s Monday, Highness.”
::What game are you playing you know the Earthen days of the week.::
“Friday is four risings away?” ::Go with this. I’m deliberately being obtuse.::
::Morgan will know you’re not a babe in the woods.::
::Watch and learn, Treasured.::
“May we have the pleasure of your company Friday at 19:00 hours?” All of the ambassadors smiled although they knew they’d been played.
::What about the technology on the ship?:: Mark said alarmed, his eyes opened wide. ::I know what they are capable of doing. The fabricators alone could destroy the Earth’s economy.::
::TeZaron and TeBron anticipated this reaction. We have ways of concealing that which we don’t want them to see. All the fabricators will be hidden. We will only exhibit the technology we want them know about. This way they know what we have to offer and will be more agreeable to our terms. Besides, they had to know about the teleportation. How else could we have arrived? We landed no light slips.::
“Will we be able to tour the ship?” Soklov asked.
“There will be, of course, certain areas that are off limits, as I’m sure you have on your own carriers. But, yes, you will have a tour of most of the ship. Is this acceptable?” The ambassadors nodded.
“That is all good, then. We will have an officer pick you up at your embassies and take you to the Brightstar. We would also like to meet the other ten members of the council. Our aides, the WarriorPair Baron Commanders Cozit of FireClan and Katan of LightClan will be in touch after our talks later today to obtain the appropriate list and locations.”
“Now, we have work to do, gentlemen.” Juraens pulled out his com.
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