Vignettes of a Civilized Zentradi #1

2024

"Excuse me, Mrs. Amherst?"

"Principal Samson, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Neqel raised an eyebrow at the surprise on the man's face when she offered her hand to shake. Hand-shaking was a Micronian custom. Why wasn't he receptive?

"You're, ah, not...I mean-" The bald-man in his suit adjusted his tie, cleared his throat and tried again. This time, he offered his hand and she shook it. "A pleasure to meet you too, Mrs. Amherst. I wish it were under better circumstances. I take it, er, Mr. Amherst wasn't available?"

"He works."

"...And you...?"

"Care for his household and his children."

The look of stark disbelief on the Micronian's face would probably amuse Neqel's husband, Richard. It just annoyed her. Once she'd been confused by such reactions. Years living the Micronians had taught her much, though, including the dubious social function of 'stereotyping'.

"That's why I came, of course. Now I understand there was an incident with Joy? Could you tell me what happened please?" Neqel's eyes narrowed. "She's not injured, is she?"

"No, no, nothing like that. You can collect her after we're done here. You see, Mrs. Amherst, your daughter Joy started a fight."

Both of Neqel's eyebrows lifted at that surprise. He seemed to expect a verbal response, though, so Neqel indulged him after a lengthy pause by saying "I see."

"You must realize fighting isn't something-"

"As I understand the law," Neqel said carefully, repressing the urge to call it Micronian law, "Children are not subject to criminal charges unless charges are brought against them. Is she charged with a crime?"

"Mrs. Amherst! No, nothing like that!" The Principal seemed shocked. "But fighting is-"

"What did she do?"

"She punched a student!"

"Was it Stephen Brown?"

Again, Principal Samson looked surprised. "Is there some history I should be aware of?"

"He punched Joy last week. When I spoke to her teacher and demanded justice, I was told no teacher had witnessed the bullying so there wasn't anything they could do beyond telling Joy to go to her teacher if she had further trouble with Stephen. I'm assuming Joy punching Stephen was witnessed then?"

"It was," the Principal said. His lips pressed together in tight disapproval as he settled back in his chair.

"I'll tell her to make sure she's not seen next time."

"...Mrs. Amherst! That is not an acc-"

"I'm Zentraedi, Principal Samson, as you've doubtlessly figured out judging by your surprise when you met me. Many people like yourself think we're nothing but mindless savages. What I find remarkable is that your society claims it abhors violence yet it turns a blind eye when its most vulnerable members are victimized. Especially when the victim is half-Zentraedi, when she's bullied because of who her mother is. Be sure I'll talk to her about appropriately handling racism. See to your own house before you criticize mine, however. Now, is there anything else or may I collect my daughter?"

Outraged, red-faced and speechless, the school principal at last shook his head and escorted her to the teacher's lounge. Little Joy sat patiently before bouncing up to run to her mother's arms. Neqel swept her child up and carried her from the building.

As they walked to the family car, Joy hung her head and said "I'm sorry, Mommy."

"I am too, Joy. You must choose your battlefield carefully in the future. Only fight when it can bring victory, not defeat. And do as your father says; don't punch anyone weaker than you."

"He said I was a mutt because you're my Mommy."

"And that's why we're going for ice cream."