Black Velvet

"What's grassland?" she asked.

"A big stretch of open area with no trees. Like a clearing, but much larger. On the Jovian colonies or in the asteroid belt, you might find people living beneath the surfaces of moons in winding tunnels, building cities inside massive chambers in the rock. On Europa, you'd find oxygen miners living in settlements on the ice sheet. On Kruger and Hades, people live in small towns made from prefabricated buildings that are dropped there by transport ships. On Mars, you'd find people living in crowded cities beneath glass domes that protect them from radiation and allow them to breathe. Then there are people living in completely artificial space stations and on ships, some of them might not have set foot on a planet in decades."

"Why would they choose to live somewhere where they can't breathe?" Zuki asked.

"Very few people have a choice," Jules explained. "Habitable planets are rare, comfortable planets even rarer. Most people are going to have to deal with some kind of inconvenience or hazard in their lives, like having to use a rebreather because the local atmosphere isn't breathable, or having to wear special clothes whenever they venture outside because the temperature is too low to support human life."

"Colder than winter?"

"Much, so cold that it would kill you instantly if you weren't wearing protective gear. Even on planets that are relatively similar to Earth in terms of their environment, and gravity, there's almost always hostile fauna or some other problem that has to be overcome. Some people relish the challenge, they're true pioneers, but others have no choice. They lack the agency or the resources to get out. It really makes me appreciate this place," he said, looking around at the pristine nature as they walked through the trees. "There must be, what, a few hundred million Borealans at the most? Maybe close to a billion? You have centuries yet before you start to run out of living space, maybe you never will if you handle things properly. We had to figure it all out for ourselves, but if your people can learn from our mistakes, well...you might never have to live in a skyscraper or on a planet with no atmosphere where spending too much time outside gives you cancer."

Now he was just ranting, and he was certain that Zuki hadn't understood all that he had said, but the tone of his voice and his expression at least conveyed what his words couldn't.

"I want to learn," she blurted. "The Patriarch fears that joining the Coalition may erase our culture and our way of life, but I see it as a way to preserve it. We do not have to become like the Elysians or the Rask, nor do we have to become like your people. If we are mindful, then we can preserve our identity even as other aspects of our lives change."

"That's what I believe too," Jules replied, surprised that she had come to the same conclusion that he had. "The world around you is going to march on regardless of what choices you make, you can get left behind, or you can take the reins and be in control. It can work! Take the Krell, for instance. They have a pre-industrial civilization that has remained unchanged for eons, and yet they're members of the Coalition. There's no reason that the Araxie can't do that too."

"I rarely leave the village," Zuki said, her eyes wandering to the floor again. "I've never left the territory, of course, few Araxie have. But I would like to see these things that you describe, maybe I can bring back knowledge, be of use to my people..."

She was starting to look unhappy again, and so Jules tried to focus her on something else.

"Tell me what notes you've taken so far," he said, gesturing to the tablet. "I'm not sure what I'm going to do without my liaison when I have to return home, it's nice to be able to engage with people and not have to worry about taking their statements down. Makes the encounters feel more natural and conversational."

She perked up at that, tapping at the tablet. She was becoming remarkably proficient after only having been introduced to it that same morning.

"I took down all of the statements and all of the noteworthy things that you pointed out," she said as she turned the screen towards him and leaned down so that he could read the text. Jules ran his eyes back and forth, becoming more impressed with her work as he went.

"Well, besides a few minor errors in the speech recognition, it looks great! You even categorized everything by profession. How did you know to do that?"

"When I worked as a farmer, one of my responsibilities was to write down the yield from the vegetable patches," she said with a smile. "I had to order everything by type of vegetable, which field it came from, and which pack was responsible for that field. I thought that this might be similar."

"Good job," Jules said. He had given her the tablet to make her feel involved, to cheer her up, but he was no longer patronizing her. It was a genuine compliment, and it seemed to fill Zuki with fresh confidence that he hadn't seen in her before.

"Come on," she said, tucking the tablet under her arm and marching into the village. "We still have work left to do."

***

Jules rubbed his temples, nursing a headache as he slaved over the tablet's glowing screen. He was hunched over one of the tables in the wooden hut, a sliver of daylight peeking under the door, further confusing his disrupted sleep cycle. Everyone else was asleep in their hammocks, and Zuki had returned home to get some rest, but he was far too busy to join them.

It had been hours, but he had almost finished writing the report that was to be delivered to the Coalition Security Council. He had collated all of the information that he had collected over the last few days. The data on the general feelings towards aliens and the Coalition that had been expressed by the territory's populace, the economic evaluation, the report from Sergeant Simmons concerning the military applications of the Araxie soldiers.

He was recommending that the territory be admitted, and he had outlined what he thought would be the best ways to begin integrating the aliens into the alliance. Development funds, a strict embargo on civilian trading until measures to protect Araxie cultural heritage could be outlined, peacekeeping forces deployed to manage the problems with the Rask. It was complicated, bureaucratic, and ultimately tiresome. But if the council agreed upon and implemented his plans for the territory, then the transition would be made as painless as possible for the locals.

Once it was complete, all that was left to do was deliver it. He could transmit the file instantaneously, there was a quantum entangled communications satellite that had been placed in Borealis orbit in order to facilitate faster than light communication. A change in the file system of one was immediately reflected in its counterpart, no matter how far away it was. But Jules preferred to deliver his report and make a case for the Araxie in person, not only as a professional courtesy, but because he liked to do things face to face. Accurate information and a good plan was one thing, but in many cases, it all hinged on the delivery.

He would present the document to the Patriarch in the morning, or rather the evening, ensure that he understood everything, and then make any necessary modifications or concessions that he desired. The mission in Araxie was finally coming to its conclusion, but while Jules longed to be free of the oppressive gravity and the sweltering heat, he was also going to miss Zuki dearly. He felt like he was just starting to get to know her, but more than that, she was beginning to find something that she was good at. She had the makings of a diplomat, but she might never reach her full potential if her people continued to dismiss and ignore her. Sure, she might make a lousy hunter and a poor farmer, but she was cut out for a job that didn't even exist yet in their society. They would need her in the coming years, but they didn't know it yet.

A sudden thought struck him as he sat in the darkness, illuminated in the glow of the tablet screen. It was not unheard of for representatives from a prospective member state to travel to the headquarters of the Security Council in order to plead their case and add weight to a recommendation. Not only might that help to sway the council, but it would also be an opportunity for Zuki to leave her home territory and learn some valuable skills in the process. Had she not expressed a desire to do just that?

He should consult with Zuki before pitching the idea to Bozka, make sure that she really wanted to go through with it, and that she understood what she was getting herself into. Still, he was confident that she would be onboard. She might only be away for a few weeks at the most, and she would be returned home once their work was complete, but it would be quite the adventure for someone who had never known anything but her jungle home.

CHAPTER 8: CALL TO ADVENTURE

"I can really go?" Zuki asked, practically dancing on the spot as nervous energy consumed her. Her ears were pricked up, and her eyes were bright, her troubles forgotten.

"It's ultimately up to your Patriarch," Jules replied, "but there's no reason that you can't come if he permits it. There are already Borealans where you'll be going, you'll have food that you can eat, the environment is suitable for your kind. It might be frightening, however. I need to make sure that you're prepared for that. You'll be seeing things that you might not understand, things that are completely beyond your comprehension. But you'll be safe, and you'll be with me the whole time, you won't be in any danger."

"I can do it," she insisted, nodding her head emphatically. "I'm not scared, I want to do this."

"Okay, okay. Calm down," he chuckled. "I've finished writing up the report, so all that's left to do now is present it to the Patriarch, and get his blessing. If he likes what he sees, then we can leave, and you can hopefully come with us."

"Are we going now?"

"Yes, I just need to round up the Marines and the Ranger," he said as he pulled his phone from his pocket and tapped at the screen for a few moments. "Alright, they're going to meet us at the Patriarch's house. Time for the moment of truth."

***

When they arrived at the wooden dwelling that ringed the tree at the center of the village, Simmons and the others were already waiting for them. Jules couldn't help but notice that Yuta and Velez were sticking close together now, palling around in a way that they hadn't done in the days leading up to their encounter. They were invading one another's personal space, sharing lingering glances, and wry smiles. If it was obvious to Jules, then it must be obvious to the other Marines, too. Velez had not confronted him about his private VR show, so it was safe to assume that there was no function on the helmet to let him know that he had been observed.

"So, your report is all ready?" Simmons asked as Jules approached and greeted them.

"Yes, everything is done. I was up all night putting the finishing touches on it. I have a proposal to present to the Security Council that I think covers all the bases and makes the transition as easy as possible for the Araxie. We'll have to see what the Patriarch thinks about it. If he gives me the go-ahead, then I'll be returning to Fort Hamilton as soon as possible."

"Oh, are you off to the Pinwheel when this all wrapped up?" Edwards asked.

"That's where the council meets, yes. What about you guys?"

"We'll be returning to Elysia," Simmons said, "we're usually deployed in the capital as part of the Coalition's commitment to planetary defense."

"Long, sunny days full of jack squat," Velez added. "Best gig in the corps."

"Where's Bozka?" Jules asked, looking around.

"We sent someone for him," Yuta said, "he should be here soon."

After a minute or so, both Yuta and Zuki turned their ears in the same direction, their heads following soon after. There was a short delay before the humans heard it too. Bozka emerged from the trees with two guards wearing ghillie suits in tow, fallen leaves crunching underfoot as they made their way towards the group. They greeted one another, then Bozka turned to Jules expectantly.

"I am told that you have completed your evaluation of my territory, is that right?"

"Yes, Patriarch. I've written up a detailed report that I intend to present to the Security Council, along with my recommendation for how to begin integrating Araxie into the Coalition. I'd like to go over it with you and ensure that everything is to your liking. We won't be doing anything in Araxie territory without your blessing, of course."

"Very well," Bozka replied, "how long will it take?"

"Probably a few hours," Jules said apologetically.

"In that case, we should proceed inside. I will have my people bring refreshments."

"Do we need to attend?" Velez asked, Simmons giving him a stern glance.

"No, that won't be necessary," Jules replied. "But I would ask that Sergeant Simmons joins us, just so that he can shed some more light on the military aspects of the proposal. Zuki should come too, her help has been invaluable so far."

"The rest of you are dismissed," Simmons said, "I'll call you when we're ready to move out. Go back to the house and start packing your gear for the walk out of here."

There was a chorus of yes Sir's as they moved off, the Patriarch opening the door to his dwelling as his two guards took up position outside. Jules and his colleagues followed behind him and took seats around one of the wooden tables, the light from a flickering candle that was suspended from the ceiling their only illumination. Fortunately, the tablet computer created its own light, its blue glow painting Jules' face as he began to read.

***

"And that's about everything," Jules said, taking another sip from a clay mug filled with water that had been provided to him by one of the Patriarch's attendants. "Do you have any more questions?"

It had taken almost three hours to get through everything, and the Patriarch had remained mostly silent throughout, what questions he asked mostly concerning terms and phrases that he didn't quite understand. Simmons had chipped in to explain military terms, and to provide more context for a lot of what he had contributed to the report, while Zuki hadn't made a peep. She had watched and listened attentively, but she had so far remained silent. She seemed nervous, not to be in the presence of the Patriarch, but rather worried that he might not permit her to leave the village.

"You spoke of peacekeepers," Bozka said. "What is their role, exactly? To help defend us from the Rask?"

"In a way, yes," Jules replied. "If we garrison some UNN soldiers here, it should dissuade the Rask from attacking. If what you suspect is true, that the Rask are launching clandestine raids in violation of the terms of their agreements with the Coalition, then the presence of Coalition soldiers here should nip that in the bud. They wouldn't risk exposing themselves and potentially causing an incident. On the other hand, if these Rask are just raiders operating without the knowledge of their government, then the peacekeepers will be able to help you fight them off. If you need help urgently, then we're not going to wait months for the council to deliberate before we commit, especially when we already have Marines nearby who can be easily redeployed."

"That will be of great help to us," Bozka said, "and I have your assurances that our sovereignty will be respected?"

"As outlined in the document, the Coalition won't take any actions in your territory without your prior approval."

That seemed to set the Patriarch more at ease, and Jules could understand his apprehension. He was about to sign off on the future of his territory, the decision that he made today would be a tipping point in their history, the weight of the world was on his shoulders.

"Then I agree," Bozka stated, more confident now.

"Excellent," Jules said, breathing a sigh of relief. If the Patriarch had refused, then all of his work would have been for naught. "If you'd just sign your name at the end of the document next to mine, then we can wrap this up in a neat little bow."

"A bow?" he asked, confused.

"I just mean that we'll be finished."

The Patriarch nodded, reaching across the table as Jules turned the tablet to face him. He hesitated with his claw hovering an inch from the screen.

"What...do I do now?"

"Just touch your pad against the screen," Zuki said, "imagine that you have ink on your finger."

Bozka wrote his name in his own script, it looked like claw marks, vertical like Chinese or Japanese text. It was all Jules needed, and he saved the file, sharing a quick glance with Zuki as she waited with bated breath.

"There is one more thing that I wanted to ask you," Jules said. "I would like to take Zuki back to the station with me for a short time, a few weeks at the most."

"Oh?" the Patriarch asked, glancing between the two in surprise. "What for?"

"It's my belief that bringing along a representative from your territory might help sway the Security Council's vote in your favor. Having someone in your village learn the ins and outs of Coalition bureaucracy and protocol will be a big help to you in the coming months, too. Zuki is the perfect candidate, she's shown an affinity for this kind of work, and she has been very helpful during my stay here."

"Zuki is good at this work?" Bozka asked, making no attempt to disguise his disbelief.

"Mister Lambert says that I may one day become a diplomat," she said, "that I might learn skills that will benefit the Araxie."

"I see no reason to refuse, as you have no duties to shirk," he grumbled. "Very well, if you think that you can be of use to your people, then you have my permission to go with the humans. If nothing else, it will at least keep you out of trouble for a while."

It was somewhat of a scathing approval, but Jules would take it, and Zuki was struggling to contain her excitement.

"Then that's all we need," Jules said, rising from his seat and tucking the tablet under his arm. "On behalf of the UNN and the Coalition, I want to thank you for your hospitality and your assistance during the inspection, Patriarch. I will make sure that your cooperation goes on record."

"Then it is done?" Bozka asked, "you will return to your people and plead our case?"

"I'm very confident that we can push this proposal through. I don't expect much opposition from the council, but it's now my job to see that you get the support that you need."

"Then we may yet live to see the end of these dark times," the Patriarch said as he rose from the table. "Zuki, go to the armory and see Jakka, have him outfit you with whatever tools and supplies you need. You are traveling far from home, and the journey will no doubt be arduous. Take care, and do as the humans say."

"Yes, Patriarch. Thank you," she said as she left her seat and hurried through the door.

"Will you need any supplies for your journey?" Bozka continued as he turned his attention back to Jules and Simmons. "An escort, perhaps? My scouts know this area better than anyone, and they will see you to your destination safely."

"No, thank you," Simmons replied. "We have everything that we need. If you could have one of your people lead us through the traps at the outskirts of the village, however, that would be helpful."

"Of course," Bozka replied.

They proceeded outside and said their farewells to the Patriarch, then Jules and Simmons headed back to the dwelling that they had called home for the last few days, one of the two Araxie guards in tow. Edwards and Velez were already waiting, their rucksacks laden with supplies, and their heavy armor once again affixed over their uniforms, while Yuta loitered nearby with her massive rifle slung across her back. Jules and the Sergeant hastily collected their own belongings, and strapped on their armor, clearing out the small wooden hut until it looked just as bare as the state that they had found it in. Again, Jules wondered if the story about the pack that had lived there was a fabrication or not. Maybe he should ask Zuki about it once they were in space, she seemed to be on first-name terms with everyone in the village due to her notoriety. If anyone knew, it would be her.