As Zed and Mary approached the office of the Galactic Council's leader, the two Humans slowly looked at each other- both nervous as all-get-out. There were several guards nearby keeping a close eye on the duo. Neither one wanted to knock on the door.
Fortunately, the two MIB agents didn't have to do anything. The small droid made a series of enthusiastic beeps, before the door opened on its own.
"Beep-brop!" The robot rolled in joyously!
The Humans stood in front of the room. The inside was slightly ominous and quite dim.
"Zed...?" a voice rang out from the darkness. "-come on in. I've been expecting you..."
The two agents nervously stepped forward. The room had several dim lights. The leader herself was well hidden within a fancy piece of furniture covered by a canopy curtain. It was obvious that even in this very private setting, the alien did not want her identity known.
"Please sit down..." an arm appeared from the curtain, and beconed to two chairs in the room. The duo obeyed and sat down imediately. This woman was obviously not only incredibly important, but wanted to get down to business.
"So...your agency has created quite a mess for my Council."
"We are well aware. Trust me when I say, this incident was a complete accident. I cannot apologize enough."
There was a slight pause before the leader responded. "Of course I accept your apology Zed. Unfortunately, that Keronian's photo came from an Earth computer. Thusly, your planet MUST become a part of the Galactic Council. We cannot have a proper trial and seek justice otherwise."
Mary looked toward Zed, wondering how he was going to talk his way out of this situation...
"Fine."
Zed's answer was so prompt and shocking, that both Mary and the leader jumped slightly.
"Really!" The alien expressed her surprise!
"Really?!" Mary was skeptical.
"Yes, really." Zed answered. "Despite everything, I do wish for the Keronian to be able to tell his own side of the story. It seems...unfair and unethical to have this entire tale warped by the media. That being said..."
There was a pregnant pause before the man continued: "...I would like to ask for...a favor from your excellency."
"Oh?"
"Our species- Humanity. Has hidden the evidence of intelegent alien life from the public for many years. Myself and Mary here are just a few exceptions. I do fear, your excellency, that the sudden appearance of aliens on our planet could cause panic, plague, death, or worse."
"I see. Your species is still quite young then..."
"Yes."
"What about a compromise then Zed?"
The agent smiled. "I was hoping you would say that. Let's negotiate!"
The alien nodded. "On species visitation rights?"
"How about we keep the system we have? Visitors are aloud, as long as they go through customs first?"
"That seems reasonable-especially for the health purposes. What about trade? Your species seems to have an abundance of sea salt! Something many aliens could use for survival..."
Zed nodded. "As long as it does not drastically affect the sea life of our planet, I believe we can come to a future agreement."
"Other types of trade?"
"A NO on alien foods and animals. We are willing to trade several of Earth's over abundant pets that could use loving homes- specifically dogs, for advanced alien tech. It would benefit both parties."
"What does a..."dog" look like? Is it a disirable animal companion?"
"Funny you should ask!" Zed reached into his suit and produced a pocket-sized book about dog breeds. He handed the book over to the leader who grabbed it with her hand, and quickly disappeared behind the curtain. The leader could be heard flipping through the pages.
"Do they speak?"
"No. They "bark"." answered Zed.
"What is their worth?"
"Unconditional empathy. Many can be trained to find injured, explosives, disease, and the missing. Some can also herd smaller animals and help the disabled!"
"A useful creature!"
"Indeed. Earth has an over abundance of them. Sadly many have been eliminated to make room for more."
"How awful...we would love to take and assist with these creatures! A fair compromise Zed! Would you mind if I kept this...informational pamphlet? We could use the info in our permanent databases!"
Zed nodded. "Go right ahead!"
"Many thanks my Human friend! This compromise seems reasonable!"
Zed bowed with humbleness.
Mary simply stared at Zed, her mouth agape! He seemingly fixed Earth's overcrowded pound problem, AND lack of fresh water at the same time!
"Well, I'm glad we have come to a compromise! Both of you better rest up for the trial tomorrow."
"Thank you your excellency." Zed and Mary stood bidding their leave.
"Oh...and Zed?"
The Human looked back at the curtain curiously.
The alien concluded: "Please don't insult my droid again."
"Weeer-blip!" The circular robot tweeted in agreement.
Blushing slightly, the two Humans excused themselves.