We Need a Deathworlder!

“Alright. First things first.” Thorn says after everyone gathers in the center of the apartment, “The Gratt ambassador is our main ‘in’ with the Union president. However, considering what we're planning to do… it’s important that we make sure that the Gratt won’t be seen as hostile conspirators. Motives against the Terrans are easy to draw up, regardless of the truth of the matter.”

“Yes. We understand big picture. But turning peoples against Gratt before bigger problem comes will not help. Doom Gratt more.” Nodrin comments.

“Exactly. Hence why we reached out to the Squilla as well.” Brandy points out, “The President was to meet with them regarding an array of crap before the Gratt, but since both species find themselves so new to the stars and in similar situations they agreed that merging the meetings would be beneficial to all parties. A potentially very powerful alliance if things go right.”

“How? And how does that help bring the heat off the Gratt?” Simone questions, still not connecting the dots, to which Chak pats her shoulder before answering.

“It’s to give the Union something so valuable, that they would be more willing to overlook our… drastic action. It’s still a gamble though, and I’d be very interested to hear details of how this alliance could be so ‘powerful’.” she says before looking to the other Terrans.

“Union has the second biggest navy, only outnumbered by Central’s. And although their production of military vessels and equipment is impressive… it’s at the cost of more economic productions. Such as infrastructure, colony maintenance, etc… those kind of things. Basically, if the Gratt could be contracted to supplement those areas in the Union, then they in turn would have more access and integration with the wider community. That, and more direct protection and resources from the Union in general. As for the Squilla, they apparently reproduce at an asinine degree. A single breeding pair can produce thousands of viable spawn in a single encounter. Hence why the Truba elite have been using them as a secret workforce ,and kept them hidden away, considering how easy it would be for the Squilla to overrun Truba society if given the chance.” Devin explained.

“Basically their society and population is normally very sparse. Almost like each individual is a nomadic hermit that lives in solitude until they feel like searching for a reproduction partner, because they understand how easily out of control their numbers can get. Although they’re not currently considered ‘Deathworlders’ per se, they can naturally survive incredible oceanic pressures and temperatures. That, and they are apparently savants with oceanic engineering. Meaning they can be almost unparalleled in workforce and certain military applications.” Thorn adds.

Simone crosses her arms feeling dubious.

“So… the Union would use them as laborer Vassal Nations? After how the Gratt were invaded and how the Truba treated the Squilla… I don’t know… feels wrong.” she remarks honestly.

“Not quite. Though that’s a potential risk of happening, the last thing the Union wants to do is be perceived as submitting other species into servitude. Even though Central is effectively guilty of that, it would render what little goodwill the Union managed to scrape together with the majority of Central species into shreds. However, if the Union agrees to a formal alliance where the three parties have more or less equal sway in how terms and actions are hashed out, it could be a chance for the Union to socially close the distance with wider communities because the Squilla and to a lesser extent the Gratt are highly sought after in terms of making productive deals. The Union remains relatively independent, but basically still gets to better integrate with Central because they’d be in some aspect involved with whatever the Squilla and Gratt are doing business with.” Brandy says.

“Wait, are we trying to have them form a Federation?” Chak asked skeptically.

“Best case scenario, yes. But a simple alliance will do just fine.” Thorn replies with a nod.

“Wait… wait, wait… I’m losing the narrative a bit. So we’re using this extremely tempting proposition to basically bribe the president to listen to us and not take action against the Gratt?” Simone asks.

“No, we’re bribing her to not have us hunted down and imprisoned -or worse- for what’s basically terrorism.” Thorn counters, “And, with what we know is coming… this potential alliance will further unite the Galaxy in a key way; it gives incentive for Central and the Union to more openly cooperate against a bigger threat. As it stands, the two most formidable militaries will stand their own grounds and operate completely separated until it would most likely be too late. But with more connective tissues between them, the more united they will be at the start of doomsday.”

Chak’s eyes flash as something immediately comes across her mind.

“Why stop at the Gratt and Squilla…?” she ponders aloud.

The rest of the room looks to her puzzled at what she was exactly getting at. The Princess adjusts herself in her seat before speaking up to clarify.

“Consider this; We invite other nations in on these talks to possibly further expand on such an alliance.” she poses.

“I…. think that will just invite more risk and problems…” Thorn tries to let the Cali down easy on such an idea.

“I know, but hear me out. The Z’ah’tuck have already promised military aid towards the liberation of the Cali people. I see a close alliance forming out of this after hopefully succeeding. And with my presence at the meeting I see no reason to not involve the Cali in on this alliance. My brother’s forces already are the primary uplifters of the Gratt after all. I think the Z’ah’tuck will see the benefit in the alliance, especially with the Gratt and Squilla as perfect direct consumers and providers for their meat markets. Another people I think may stand to benefit would be the Watath. Granted, we don’t have any strong political ties with them currently, but like the Squilla they come from a mostly oceanic world as well. Not only could they share much of their specialized technology, but they will also have access to workforces and engineers of a species that can much more comfortably live on their worlds and colonies. Not only that, but both the Z’ah’tuck and Watath only have ‘Associate species’ status with Central. This alliance could give them more than enough influence to very possibly merit proper membership status.”

“That is… if Central doesn’t see this alliance as a rival organization. Especially one dominated by Deathworlders…” Brandy points out.

“I’m more concerned with putting the Terran, Wathath, and Z’ah’tuck leadership in one room together… They’ve been on and off in military conflict with one another for… well since the Terrans’ uplifting really.” Simone adds very skeptically, “I just don’t see them playing ball so easily. I mean, I was fighting in a conflict against the Watath just a few years ago… If things go bad, which considering what we’re planning on doing it very much could, we could spark a whole new conflict and put the Z’ah’tuck’s support for the Cali into jeopardy. And I really don’t see the Union going along with it either, regardless of what could be gained from it. Don’t get me wrong hun. That kind of alliance would be as good as it could get before the Manarian invasion hits. Especially if we stall it as much as possible, but… I just don’t see that working out.”

“What’s a Manarian?” Sonla questions, looking up from her assorted meat snack.

Before anyone else can respond, Troy takes the initiative.

“They’re like bat-Terran-ish people? They have like, the whole galaxy surrounded with their fleets yeah? And they’ve secretly been there waiting for a prime time to jump in and invade for probably hundreds of thousands of years, a long time ago they went around and but a ‘fear’ gene or something in all the species heads to make us scared of them and shit. Also, their tech is apparently like, waaaaaaay more advanced than the rest of the galaxy. So, unless we get the galaxy united to delay their chance to invade we’re all very, very fucked. Like, we’re not all gonna die probably, but they will be in charge and not in the nice way.” he explains casually.

Sonla stares at him blankly for a moment before turning to everyone else.

“Okay but seriously… what are they?” she asks again.

“No, Troy pretty much summed it up well.” Simone replies with an agreeing nod.

When no one else added to the contrary, Sonla huffed a hiss and resumed snacking.

“Fine…. I get it. It’s not for me to know…” she concludes believing that she isn’t going to get an actual legitimate answer.

Chak slightly shakes her head before returning to the previous topic.

“I know it’s taking on more risks… but if we can pull it off to even a partial success… the better off we and the rest of the universe will be. To me, I think it’s worth trying.” she insists.

“I don’t know, hun…” Simone utters, trying to not sound dismissive.

“Then we try it the most effective way possible. First we meet the president with the Gratt and Squila. We put the proposal to her and then convince her of the very real larger threat. Once we determine how she responds to our actions, we then introduce the Z’ah’tuck and Watatch representatives into the conversation. If the Union president is agreeable and understands, she may actively pursue the larger alliance. If she isn’t… well… we figure out our next best move and focus on removing my father from power since we already have Z’ah’tuck support.” Chak argues, “The Cali being a possible extension to the Manarian’s efforts, stopping them from disrupting the rest of the stars may be enough to buy the galaxy a bit more time. Time that we can refocus on the Union and the wider unification.”

The room is silent other than the munching of meat. Everyone is thinking about Cali’s words very carefully with an array of thoughts on it.

“You’re our politician, lass. If you believe that’s the best course to take, then we’ll go for it. Fuck it, we’re already in the boiling pot right?” Thorn chuckles in a long sigh.

“Yeah… don’t like it, but there is a way forward if it doesn’t work out.” Devin agrees.

“Like Thorn said… fuck it. Might as well continue the insanity.” Brandy inputs.

Chak then looks up to Simone for her honest feelings. To which the redhead bites her cheek, unable to read what her gut is telling her.

“I trust you, hun. Let’s do it.” she finally concedes.

“Great, I’ll start making calls to the Watath and Z’ah’tuck ambassadors to set this up.” the Cali replies with determination before giving the redhead a thankful hug.

“Yeah… that reminds me I should be making a call as well…” Simone says as she stands up with the princess.

“Devin and I will work out the detailed logistics of the plan then. And I already have an idea that we can use our new infiltrator for…” Thorn hints as he looks at Sonla directly.

Halfway into a new bite the Vorook glances back up at the Terran with wide eyes.

“Finally!” she cheers in a muffled hiss.

…

Moving to a secluded place in the apartment, Simone looks at the card that Troy handed her. Still feeling very uncertain about it, she inputs the net address and gives it a call.

After a few short moments drag on for what feels like forever, a familiar feminine voice speaks up.

“Terran Embassy, you’ve reached Foreign Service Officer Sandy.”

After a few standard seconds, Simone can’t help but smirk slightly.

“Hey Bree.” she says.

“...One moment please.” Bree replies in a still professional tone, but slightly rushed. After what sounded like a ‘blip’ her voice returned, “Simone? Sorry, I had to disable the recording feature.” she now sounds very much like her old academy self.

“The one and only.” the redhead chuckles, “Hope you don’t blame me if I kinda suspect that you’re still recording this conversation?”

“I’m not, I promise. But… yeah that’s fair.” Bree replies, “Uhm… I want to ask how you're doing, but I also don’t know how much of an actual war criminal you are so… Care to explain?”

“Absolutely. If you don’t mind meeting up in person with me and my fiance.” SImone offers casually.

“Oh… right, uhm… sure? Sure. That’s… so damn crazy. The Cali princess? You could imagine the face I made when I saw the local tabloids. How the hell did that happen!?” the woman says, sounding like she was getting up from a sitting position.

“Sweet serendipity. But I’ll go into detail in person. Doesn’t have to be somewhere super public, but I’d appreciate not immediately being arrested.” Simone says only in half-jest, knowing she has to be skeptical of everyone in her academic past.

“Oh- right no of course not. Sorry if I sound suspicious, I kinda started to think I wasn’t gonna get this call from you. Especially with whatever happened with Ambassador Zrreak’s son.” Bree replies, “Oh, uhm… there’s a small public garden near your apartment. Will that work?”

“If I didn’t know how awkward you can be, I’d be far more suspicious. Sure, that works. Send me the directions and we’ll come to meet ya. See ya soon.” Simone farewells.

“Got it. Should be there in forty or so minutes. I’ll be making a quick stop while on the way. See ya.” Bree responds before the call ends.

Releasing a nervous sigh, the redhead sends Chak a private message to update her on the situation. As soon as the princess wraps up her own calls, they’ll head out.

-

Simone, Chak and Zrume walk together into the public garden, expecting the Terran’s ‘old friend’ to arrive in roughly five standard minutes.

Despite wanting the dog to enjoy sniffing the flowers and plants, Chak ensures that Zrume knows that it is time to be aware and working. Thankfully it’s a simple endeavor as the pup takes her duty to protect the princess with the utmost care and attention. To avoid misunderstandings, she’s wearing a vest which clearly states ‘Security Animal. Do not touch or interact while on duty’ on both sides.

If people were planning on staying in the garden, the immediate sight of the Terran beast clears them out real quick. For several minutes, the two women simply stood together enjoying the plants while low-key keeping a lookout for potential trouble.

Until eventually a tall and lanky woman turns a corner in a power walk. In both of her hands she supports a disposable beverage carrier with three tall clear cups, each a different color.

She only slows when her eyes catch Simone’s. She was clearly a nervous wreck, but not seemingly in the ‘being bait for a trap’ kind of way.

“Well look atch’you… Working for the Terran Ambassador huh? Guess we both found ourselves landing in pretty high places.” Simone greets with a sincere smile.

Bree’s face flushes as she chuckles.

“Yeah… I guess so.” she replies before addressing the Cali while glancing down at the canine nervously, “Hello, Princess. I’m Bree Sandy. Simone and I were roommates once upon a time. Uhm, cute dog by the way. They have a name?”

“Greeting Bree, it’s lovely to meet you. And thank you, her name is Zrume. I’d offer you to pet her but she’s on duty and I’m still learning to handle her.” the Cali responds with a friendly bounce.

“So, you got operatives in flower ghillie suits ready to pounce on me or what?” Simone jokes to break the tension.

“As hilarious as that would be… no. Luckily for you your association with the Princess while in Central keeps you out of the Union’s reach. But I’d still be careful if I were you, the president is inbound in a few days and so there may be more eyes looking your way.” Bree replies as she carefully adjusts her hands on the carrier.

“Oh we’re aware. Hopefully we all get along.” Simone replies before nodding to the clear cups, “Whatcha got there?”

“A peace offering! I stopped by my favorite corner shop and picked up some ice-slush drinks. I made sure that the flavoring was safe for Cali. They even had a kul dew flavor! Though I don’t know if it’s real kul dew… still, if you’d like it you're free to have!”

Chak’s eyes flash slightly at the gesture.

“Oh, how kind of you. Really, that’s so nice. But… I hope you understand my hesitancy to accept drinks from someone working for the Union while my fiance is so directly involved. Not that I’m accusing that you’ve tampered with them of course, but it’s a bit of a concern.” she says apologetically.

“Uhm… right… should have thought about that… drat. But of course, I understand.” Bree replies now realizing that she will have to carry all the drinks with her for this whole interaction.

“Here.” Simone says as she steps up and takes out both the green and a red cold drink. Pulling out two devices that Devin lended before they left, Simone activates the both of them before fitting the rounder one in her pocket. The other being more of a stick with a freshly protruding needle, she sticks it in each drink and tediously around their straws before reading on the small display with each result of the analysis’.

“Oh yeah… full of chemicals, but nothing nefarious outside companies cutting corners.” the redhead informs before holding out the green drink to Chak who accepts it happily.

Giving a thankful nod to Simone, Bree takes her remaining bright blue drink and tosses the carrier in a nearby recycling receptacle.

“Speaking of which… still eating those gross chocolate bar pie things? Or did they finally melt through your gut?” she asks.

Raising an eye tuft Simone reaches into her jacket and waves a crinkly ‘food’ product, making the woman let out an amused laugh.

“Coco-slab-pies, and yes, I always have at least one on me at all times.” the redhead proudly reports before fitting the item back into its internal sleeve, “You look good by the way. How are the folks?”

Bree’s amused face falters a bit as if she considers something.

“They're doing really well. Uhm… but before we actuall catch up… I’d appreciate to know what happened. The reason behind your court marshaling I mean. From what little I’ve managed to dig up… it doesn’t look great in your favor, but it’s so barren of details that it was hard to believe it was true.”

Simone bites at her cheek and nods before tilting to a nearby bench for the three to sit to talk. After they get relatively comfortable, the redhead slowly breathes in to prepare herself for ths conversation.

“You want the fully honest and blunt version? It’s gonna sound like complete bullshit meant to cover and justify my actions, but I swear it’s all true. Or, do you want the truth, but an easier to digest vague version?” she offers.

“Do you happen to have evidence of the ‘blunt’ version?” Bree cautiously asks.

“I actually do. But in order for you to see it, you would probably freak out and run for the hills. Seriously, it’s freaky mind-blowing shit. Or, if you grant me the benefit of the doubt, the princess herself can attest to it being true. She personally helped me a lot with the fallout of my mission. In every way possible, but she has seen the truth first hand.” Simone says with a ‘sorry’ shrug.

“I… think I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.” Bree answers before looking further down the bend to meet Chak’s eyes briefly.

“Okay… well. My unit? I killed them all, that’s completely true.” Simone starts with to Bree’s immediate shock,”But, they were following an illegal order to decimate an innocent refugee camp and make it look like the Watath were behind it. They were all going to go through with it, but… I didn’t let them.”

Bree leans back even more shocked.

“That’s not… well, I suppose that answers why the debrief was so… blank. Okay, that is a lot to swallow.”

“Believe it or not, that’s not the ‘hard to believe’ part.” Simone presses on, “Admiral Harkon made the order. He is leading a terrorist organization to undermine the Union. My unit was trying to initiate me into it I guess. One branch of the organization is this insane cult called the ‘Children of Gaia’. They ended up kidnapping me after I met Chak here, and they took me to the Gratt homeworld to try to initiate me by force before trying to invade the world. They ultimately wanted to make it an ‘Earth 2.0’. Some crazy bullshit. Chak here saved me. I can get into more detail, but… I think that’s good enough.”

“It’s all true.” Chak confirms, “Although we have nothing concrete, my people who defended the Gratt homeworld have plenty of footage and captured prisoners. Although we have evidence of Harkon’s direct connection… it’s complicated to share due to its nature.”

Bree takes a moment to process all of that.

“Wow… I mean… the Union is aware of the Children of Gaia people, but at worst I believe they’re only known to be weapon smugglers. This is a lot… is that why you’re here in Central? To expose them?” Bree asks.

“Kinda. But we’re here for other reasons too. Stuff that I’m not at liberty to share with someone in your position. Sorry.” Simone answers.

“I see… I get it. Politics and all that. Wow… Wait… does that mean… no… no, nonono… not Sam. Sam?” Bree questions in a severely apologetic tone. To which the redhead only answered with a slow nod, “I’m… so sorry.”

“Thanks. Wrecked me for a long time before realizing how lost she really was. Well.. still stings, but I’ve moved on. Hope you don’t mind me saying so, but I’m not even totally sure you’re not associated with them. It’s hard to trust anyone from the academy, really. But I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt too. I don’t see you disappointing your family like that.” Simone admits.

Looking both hurt and understanding, Bree nods.

“I get it. The stuff we got up to while at academy with Sam… I can totally see why. But for what it’s worth, I have nothing to do with it.” she responds as she looks tot eh ground between her feet, “I wish you the best luck in whatever you’re doing. And I’m glad you found someone that actually loves you. You look tired, but so happy too. It’s good to see.”

“Thanks Bree. I’m happy to see your perseverance has paid off. I can only imagine how damn proud your folks are.” Simone chuckles softly as she pats the woman’s back with her hand.

Bree wipes a developing tear away from her eyes, careful to not smudge her makeup.

“So fucking proud. Oh! Look!” she pulled out a small datapad from her uniform and held it up for the two other women to see. Activating it she scrolls through pictures of her family.

Simone smiles widely seeing the familiar faces she once knew so well gradually age a bit as graduations, promotions, birthdays and other special special events cross by. But then she raises an eye tuft and presses on the pad to stop on a particular photo.

“Who’s the freak’n baby in your arms…!? “ she excitedly asks, although from the hospital setting the context was apparent.

Humming in glee Bree bounces in her seat, super excited that the redhead asked before she could say it outright.

“That’s Avery! I had him a few years after the operation. He’s two now and currently spending time at my folk’s place back home. I’m gonna go back in a few weeks after all the president’s business is done with.” she says with a higher pitched tone.

“Oh stars those cheeks!” Simone laughed, completely enthralled by the funny face of the depicted newborn.

“I know! Mom swears up and down that it’s a feature of babies from her side of the family.” Bree laughs in return.

“What if I told you we’ve adopted two wonderful kids?” Simone said as she activates her Lens to send photos to the pad, but she felt a clenching hand grasp her shoulder from her fiance. Feeling immediately stupid, Simone clears her throat, “But I unfortunately only have photos of one of ‘em. I recently transferred most of my photos into digital storage before coming to Central.” she added in a fib.

“Aw dang…” Bree replies, allowing the obvious lie to pass, knowing it must have been for a reason.

Simone shares pictures of Essjay as they were working very hard at their art.

“You adopted a Watath? I didn’t even think that was really possible… at least legally. How’d that happen?” Bree asks.

“I became fast friends with their mom. After they were all born we made sure we got home. But… she left us one to take care of. Their name is Essjay, and right now art is everything they do.” Simone answers with a returning grin.

“Well, that and watch cartoons. They recently started watching this old one called… Ball-dragon? I personally don’t get it, it’s just a lot of burly men shouting while squatting but Essjay seems to enjoy it quite a bit!” Chak giggles.

“Oh.. doesn’t that show have a lot of vio-” Bree starts to say before catching Simone staring at her with wide eyes and subtle shake of her head, “-lins?” she corrected with a wince on her face.

“Simone…” Chak says as she lightly pats the Terrans shoulder reassuringly, “I know it has fighting in it, but they spend so much time squating and screaming between fights that considering the other shows Essjay could be watching… I’ll accept this one.”

“Right…” SImone chuckles, “Wait… so you actually watched it too?”

“A little.” Chak shrugs coyly, “Essjay has a bad habit of falling asleep while watching it. I will say I like the guy with pointy hair. The cranky one I mean. He really loves his wife, it’s so sweet.”

“How’d you two even meet by the way?” Bree inquires.

“She picked me up in a bar… literally. Well, she picked me up in the alley next to the bar.” Chak answers before snuggling at Simone’s side.

“Done it enough times that at some point one would be a princess.” the redhead shrugged in tease.

Bree watches the two’s genuine connection in that moment as they giggle together. Many doubts of them possibly lying about Simone’s incident melted away with her heart.

They all continue to share pleasant conversion of catching up, but eventually Bree has to stand up and toss her empty drink.

“I should probably head back to the office. But this was great. Totally not what I expected, and I still have lingering questions… but the important ones have been answered, and I’m glad that you didn’t become what I feared you did. Uhm… I have to admit something… I wasn’t told to or anything… but I do have a recording device on me. Just in case. But I’m real sorry.” she reveals as she removes a descred card-like device from under her uniform collar.

“I tested the drinks, you tried to record us. We’re good.” Simone assures, “by the way your recordings are gonna be no good anyway” she pulled out the other device from earlier from her pocket, “We have a damn-good tech guy.”

Raising her eye tufts rather impressed Bree let out a light hum.

“Wow. Guess you’re really prepared. Shouldn’t be surprised I suppose. But fair. Thanks for meeting with me, and… I sincerely hope someday all our kids can have play dates.” she says as her eyes begin to water again.

Standing up Simone opened her arms allowing the two to share a comforting hug.

“Someday. Count on it.” the redhead promises before letting the woman go, “Don’t be a stranger.”

Bree then backed away as she shared a farewell wave with Chak.

“Good luck you two.” Bree says before taking her leave. Once she was out of earshot Simone sighed and turns to the Cali with a devious grin.

“Remind me when this is all over to introduce her to Ellie. I don’t play matchmaker often, but can’t hurt to see if that potentially goes anywhere.” she says before holding a hand out to help Chak stand.

“Oh… that’s a thought… maybe.” the princess giggles as she, Simone and the vigilant pupper make their way back to the apartment.

-

The following days of prepping are not very eventful, but after scouting places and ‘acquiring’ certain blueprints the final plan is cemented.

Until finally, the day of the president’s arrival finally comes. They are all dressed in their royal gear, outside Sonla who is dressed in more ‘suitable’ gear for her designated job. However she did wear a covering poncho in order to not draw any attention as she separated with Thorn.

Brandy, Troy, and Devin remain by Chak as her personal guard along with Simone and Zrume as they travel to the initial meeting point with the Squilla ambassador.

Nodrin and Meeki made sure to leave early in order to help guard the Gratt ambassador to ensure that there isn’t any unexpected guests lingering near the recently repaired Gratt embassy.

Chak double checks with the Z’ah’tuck and Watath ambassadors to confirm that they understand to arrive at a later time, having promised to be supportive of their deals they wish to present to the Gratt.

Trying to not sweat up a storm, Simone taps her foot on the elevator floor. Her eyes staring holes in the door.

This is it, possibly the moments leading up to some kind of success, or complete fucking doom.

“Who’s fucking idea was this?” she whispers in jest before the doors finally open.