Chapter 51
I spent the night at a very luxurious hotel before I met Ammarumor Cafciyt-Remmurt-Treksill. Apparantly, the room had been specifically designed with Toby in mind, because of her semi-regular visits to the nation's capital. Everything was as suited as it could be for an herbivorous bladed extra-terrestrial, and it was the most comfortable room I'd ever stayed in. Even more comfortable than Clarissa's sofa! There wasn't a dog licking my face in the morning, either.
I was not there to enjoy such comforts, though. My mind was abuzz with scenarios that could potentially occur in the Andalite Embassy and I was bordering on a breakdown as I was driven to the location in a black car with heavily tinted windows. My reputation had grown immensely since the Orson interview, for better or worse, and everybody seemed to recognise me.
Recognise may not be the right word… Humans have difficulty telling Hork-Bajir apart. The fact that I was in Washington D.C. though, was enough of a clue that I wasn't from the normal crowd.
My security team was larger than usual because of this. I had been receiving death threats from various sources, more and more as the Horvallack document was further revealed by the Humans. It was infinitely depressing that I and my people were somehow partly guilty for the Andalite betrayal to a select group of people, but I was told to expect such insanity.
We dismissed the death threats as little more than provocation, but it was insisted that security was increased nonetheless. It ruined my chances of traversing the capital unseen, which seemed entirely counterintuitive.
Nothing compared to what I was about to face, though. We arrived at the Andalite Embassy at precisely 9:00am, half an hour before we were scheduled to begin. My security escorted me from my vehicle, surrounded me as I walked towards the abnormal entrance. Camera flashes could be heard past the black suit shoulders of my team. People knew that I was there, but they wouldn't know why. I had made sure that my intentions were secret. They could discuss conspiracies to their hearts' content.
The Andalite building was obviously going to be structured differently to regular Human buildings, and I wasn't disappointed. It was not as square as I was used to, the walls rounded, bulging up to the top so that it looked like a white raspberry turned upside-down. Entire sections of this "raspberry" were windowed, placed almost at random. Blue lighting ran around the structure in strips, mostly horizontally but one arched flauntingly over the top.
It was guarded by a large, impenetrable wall, the only way through being a set of gates guarded internally by two rather bulky Andalites. At first, I was curious why they did not carry weapons, but then I noticed the ends of their tails. Weapons were not essential.
Could they be shot from a distance, especially in the new hostile political climate? It would seem so on initial glance, but as we approached the gates, a low buzz could be heard, and the air between the bars seemed to fizz. It was no ordinary gate, for sure.
I had seen many pictures of Andalites, so I knew what to expect. I took note of the tail, the centaur-like body form, two stalk eyes that effortlessly surveyed the entire surrounding area and the mouthless faces. I dreaded the thought of life without taste.
They took a lot more interest in me than the Humans that were escorting me. It was not hard, being about a foot taller than the average Human, but I got the distinct impression that these Andalites, much like Cafciyt, had not dealt too often with Hork-Bajir since the end of the war. They looked at me with at least two eyes each, always alert to every move that I made. Their stares made me want to avoid staring back, so I tried my best to seem like my focus was elsewhere as my team started to display identifications and files.
I had moved onto waving to nearby, intrigued locals when my entrance request was granted. The gates separated at the middle and gradually opened up to the well-kept outer lands of the embassy. A small path to the main doors was the only exception to the vast waves of grass that engulfed the structure. I saw at least three other Andalites feeding. At least, I thought that was what they were doing. They were also staring.
I felt very unwelcome.
Neither one of the security Andalites spoke to me, but I could feel them watching me as we passed through towards the big main doors. Clarissa was by my side, speaking small observations and opinions that nobody really needed to take notice of. By this point in our relationship, I knew that it was there to keep me happy, rather than to point out things absolutely clear to everybody.
About ten feet from the doorway, a female Andalite (made obvious by a purple-ish shade of hair) stepped through, the doors rapidly zooming open like none I'd ever seen before. She held a small black device in her right hand, its purpose unknown and probably far beyond my technological grasp to comprehend. She hovered it in the air before us and it bleeped twice. Then she retreated it.
((Welcome to the Embassy,)) She hummed, slightly lowering her upper body in what I assumed to be part of the Andalite greeting. ((If you could follow me, please.))
She turned, the door zipping back open before leading us through. I used the opportunity to study the Andalite form from over my lead security's shoulder. I took note of the movement, the legs and the tail. They seemed so unusual, certainly not like anything from Earth. Strong, but at the same time nimble and sleek.
In my curiosity, I forgot about the stalk eyes. When I turned my focus upwards, I discovered that one was doing exactly the same to me. Embarrassed, I rubbed at my eyes, pretending that I hadn't actually been staring. She didn't seem so self-conscious.
The building interior was bright, and part of my innate sense thought that I was still outdoors. Two lights shone down from above, like blinding suns, and the ground beneath our feet was almost grassy but with the slightest hints of a synthetic origin. This grass was bluer than Earth grass.
Not a tree in sight. I was actually disappointed. Instead, there were white pillars reaching to the high ceiling of that first room, four of them around the edges. Two of them were being tampered with by Andalite workers. I could just make out holographical systems sprouting from the sides of the pillars. Of course, those workers took notice of me and my team.
We passed through that first dome-like room and into one much smaller. I almost ripped over a small white dome placed haphazardly on the floor. The light of the "suns" still, somehow, shone down on us even through the walls. It must have been some form of technology, some trick of the eye. On the walls not too far from the bright lights, I could make out Andalite writing. Much of it was too complicated, but I did make out two important words: Waiting and Patience. Even the Andalites had waiting rooms.
The Andalite escort waited until we were all in, still fascinated by me, one stalk eye always connecting. ((Thank you. Taku Kelmut is to speak with Ammarumor Cafciyt-Remmurt-Treksill at Earth time 9:30. With the twenty minutes remaining before that, and in the time during the meeting, please feel free to get water or other Earth refreshments. However, we request that you avoid disrupting the duties of the workforce in the main lobby. Please also refrain from taking images of the Embassy or interfering with any open computing systems. There are active countermeasure units in action that confiscate any suspicious devices that have not already been removed by external security.))
All the while, I noticed her waving her device around again. It must have been some kind of detector. My team had been checked outside, but we were still being scrutinized thoroughly since entering. I could understand the paranoia of something concealed under an item of clothing, but she was waving it at me, too, despite me having no clothing. I could have snuck something in, I suppose, but it would neither be necessary nor comfortable…
((If you could avoid standing on our security robot,)) She continued, ((That would be appreciated. If you have any questions, it will answer you.))
Every one of us followed her gaze. Heads turned downwards and to the right. What we were signalled to was the white dome sat near the door, a few black markings on the front end, if indeed it had one. I had originally presumed it to be some kind of doorstop. With the sliding doors they had here, though, it would be utterly useless with that function.
We all jumped in spot when the little machine zapped into life with a beep and a forward jutter.
The Andalite bowed again. ((We hope you enjoy your stay.))
She left us alone with the robot, trotting out of the room with something better to do than converse with such lowly life forms. The machine was more than capable of doing that itself.
And what charisma! It rumbled into the centre of the room, no larger than one of my (admittedly big) feet and faced us. (Alternatively, it could have turned its back on us in some act of rebellion, but it was anybody's guess.) With its presence, nobody knew whether to indulge in each other's company or remain absolutely still and silent.
Clarissa was the first to move. She lifted up her handbag and pulled out a little mirror. It was time for her half-hourly check-up to make sure everything about her face was in good working order.
ZAP! The robot swivelled rapidly, beeping to confirm its observation skills. Clarissa froze, then dropped the mirror back into her handbag without any care as to where it tumbled.
"Can we speak?" Hernandez, one of our team, asked to another in a hushed voice.
"I don't know," Was the reply. "They're suspicious of everybody now. They'll hear and see everything we do."
The robot had spun towards them as they spoke, but this time it didn't bleep. The workings of the small piece of machinery were somewhat of a mystery.
Hernandez perked up some courage and leaned towards the machine, and in a clear, slow voice, asked, "Are we allowed to speak to each other?"
The robot paused. Maybe it was pulling the smarminess from his tone. It responded in a low droning tone. "Speaking is permitted. Shouting is advised against."
"Seems reasonable." Somebody commented.
We remained under the watchful eye of the robot for the remaining time. I was receiving various hints and words of encouragement throughout, but I still held onto a lot of the nerves that I had entered with. They would not be joining me with Cafciyt, even though he had insisted on having his own guards present during discussions. So long as they didn't pressure me, it should have been fine, but having them breathing down my neck was a thought that I just couldn't get rid of.
"It'll be finished before you know it," Clarissa said as she gave me one last look-over. "There! You look ready to go! Still… ugh…"
I noticed the confliction and the way she titled her head. "Still what?"
"You're chubby."
"This again?" I grumbled. "When we get home, I'll go a long run."
"Yeah, you did promise," She tutted. "We'll have to make sure nobody mistakes you for a parade float. They'll, like, fill you up with air and float you around the city."
"You know what? That sounds preferable right now."
"Dear god, Taku, why are you so nervous about this?" She sighed. "It's gonna go great!"
I nodded. "So long as everything goes my way. That's how I've planned i-"
Something prodded against my foot, interrupting me. It was the little machine shuffling around beneath. I grunted at it and used my foot to push it away.
"Ow!" I yelped as it zapped, sending a jolt up my right leg. It spun in place and provided three angry bleeps.
((Please don't kick our equipment.))
Stunned, I twisted my neck to spot two Andalites at the room's entrance, glaring at me. What fantastic timing that they would see me attack their machinery.
"Sorry. I didn't mean it." I stammered.
The male rolled his main eyes. ((Ammarumor Cafciyt-Remmurt-Treksill is ready for Taku Kelmut. If you could follow me, please.))
I took a deep breath and rose to my feet, subtly cursing at the robot for making me look so petty. I received some final words of encouragement from the team, but as soon as I walked out of the door after the Andalites, I was on my own. Two more met me, making a total of four Andalites to transport me to where I needed to go. Each of them watched with stalk eyes, sizing me up, investigating every movement I made. I had an almost irresistible urge to fiddle with my tail, but felt it could have been seen as a sign of aggression. My foot was still tingling from its encounter with the robot, but that would have to wait, too.
They took me back through the main room to an adjacent walkway. The bright lights continued to shine, but the walls were darker, almost a deep red or brown, something a little like mahogany. Dense forest scenery, it seemed. I found it much more calming, and it must have had a similar effect on them. There were openings at intervals on either side that led out to lighter rooms, much like the main entrance but smaller, like a Human office or lounge.
The two Andalites before me stopped quite abruptly and I grimaced when I nearly walked right into the back of them. One of them turned on the spot and raised a directing hand to the opening on our left. ((The Ammarumor is inside this room. We will wait out here.))
I was very much used to doors, having spent so long with Humans. Andalites didn't tend to rely on them quite as often. When I looked to the entrance, I did not expect to see my host staring hard at me from a distance, a gentle glisten of light bouncing from his raised tailblade. It took me totally by surprise and now I couldn't control my tail-fiddling tendencies. They didn't see it as a threat, thankfully.
Cafciyt said nothing. I was expected to walk in, so I built up my courage and reminded myself internally that I had everything I needed safely stored in my memory. I knew what I needed to do, so why worry? With that, I lifted my posture to display my temporarily misplaced confidence and strolled through the door-less space.
The rest of the room crept into view as I approached. Two of his guards were either side of the entrance, and I felt a bubble of anxiety rise from them when I came into their line of vision. I acknowledged them both, looking down as I was a clear foot taller. I hoped that wouldn't intimidate them, but just to make sure I lowered my neck slightly and pushed on forward.
Being Andalites, there were no chairs, and they weren't going to make an exception for me. Instead, I had to stand awkwardly before Cafciyt who was himself standing behind a small golden podium. Behind him and off to the left was another Andalite, but he certainly didn't look bulky enough to be security. He held a flat device in hand and started tapping fingers against its surface. He was there to take notes on proceedings. A stenographer.
I was in position to begin. Cafciyt glared up at me with all four eyes, utterly focused. ((You must be Taku Kelmut.)) He began. I could already tell that he didn't like me.
"Yes," I confirmed. "And you must be Ammarumor Cafciyt-Remmurt-Treksill. It's good to meet you." I bowed my head forward. If I was going to get through this interview, I was going to be totally respectful, even if it was not reciprocated.
((Fine,)) He sneered. ((Let's get this over with. I have some important visits and attendances today, so we won't keep you long.)) He placed his seven-fingered right hand flat on the desk before him, and a holographic screen flashed up before him, bright blue Andalite writing becoming visible. ((You wish to discuss the relationship between our peoples.))
"Yes. I understand that the Human-Andalite allegiance is under threat."
((Under threat?)) He huffed. ((Non-existent. The Central Allied Andalite Body is certain that it will be terminated. It's now a matter of tying up loose ends and ensuring safe passage home for all Andalite citizens.))
"It's a shame that it's come to such a situation." I said.
He laughed. ((It is? Maybe for you and the Humans,)) His hands moved forward so that he could lean his upper body against his podium, smugness creeping over his face. ((But this was never going to last. These Humans are so primitive and so violent. How can we trust them when they can barely even trust themselves? I'm sure that even you've seen it.))
Could I afford to disagree with him, even only slightly? I thought not to risk it. "I have. They killed thirteen of my people only recently."
((And they killed three of ours just yesterday…)) He snorted. ((Brooklyn.))
"I heard about it. Shameful that they would do that."
((Monsters. If they do it to themselves, then they will always do it to us. Not only this, but our allegiance seems only to benefit them. We have gained all we can from the Humans, and now they seem determined to scrounge on our achievements, steal our technology. Tell me, Taku: Do they have the right?))
Again, I had to play safe. Upsetting Cafciyt could ruin everything that I was going for. "Of course not. It is not their technology to have."
((Hm…)) He sighed. ((Taku, I have heard of you only briefly. I haven't had time to check over your history in-depth. I hear that you're here in place of Toby Hamee, the one that they say saved the Hork-Bajir.))
"Toby Hamee is not available right now," I explained, wondering where this inquiry was heading. "She hasn't been around for a while, so I have taken her responsibilities."
He stood back from the desk and clutched his hand behind his back. ((I heard that she is very disagreeable. Stubborn. But I've also heard that she is a great leader, maybe not quite so much as an Andalite general or prince, but worthy of your people. I was expecting her to turn up when I was told the Hork-Bajir seer was to meet with me.))
His implications were harsh and tactical. I had to stand my ground and I did just that, producing a confident smile and a raised posture. "She is indeed a great leader. She placed her trust in me when she left, and so she must judge me highly. Maybe I am no war hero, but I have my people's best wishes at heart."
((I never met Hamee, so I can't compare you. The last Hork-Bajir I saw was stupid enough to charge me from head-on. You're certainly cleverer than that one.))
I clenched my teeth. "A Hork-Bajir-controller. My people are not violent."
Cafciyt was not impressed with my defence. He lifted a finger and pointed to a faded scar that lined his stomach. ((Yeerk or not, this scar is from a Hork-Bajir blade.))
"My people would never intentionally hurt an Andalite, even with our mutual histories."
I could not tell from his face whether he believed me or not. He swished his tail freely behind him, the blade coming into full view. ((With that in mind, shall we discuss the allegiance of our peoples?))
"Gladly." I bowed. The stenographer standing nearby had been taking notes the whole time, but they were sporadic. Now, with the main talking points to begin, he looked poised to take down everything.
Cafciyt raised a hand invitingly. ((What are the issues you would like to address?))
"I simply wish to gain reassurance from the council that all current conditions in the Hork-Bajir-Andalite allegiance are maintained, barring those that require direct Human intervention. Not only that, but I want further reassurance that the failure of the Human alliance will not affect ours."
The stenographer was busy typing down what I had spoken. Cafciyt started to pull up some files on his holographic projection. ((I see. Is that all?))
I was a little stunned by that. "That's all I ask: That our current agreements remain intact, despite what is happening with the Humans."
((Okay…)) He hummed, looking through the files on his projection. ((This page is giving me a brief list of what the current agreements entail. I will assume that this has to do with your home planet.))
I nodded. "The biggest concern of my people is that the loss of the Human alliance will affect the chances of us being taken home when it is back to a satisfactory condition."
He took a while to gaze over the Andalite writing and take what he needed. I waited patiently, occasionally peeking over my shoulders at the security by the door. Like Cafciyt, they both had a distinct collection of scars.
((I'm afraid there may be an issue, Taku Kelmut,)) Cafciyt muttered without any sign of condolence. ((Much of the agreements between our peoples are tied into the Human alliance. The Andalite-Human agreement states that we will be able to transport the Hork-Bajir upon completion of the home world. With that alliance gone, the Humans may refuse. Additionally, since the Hork-Bajir are technically under Andalite custody, but are inhabiting Human territory, we are sworn to remove them as soon as possible. However, when the Human alliance ends, we will be under no obligation.))
I felt that urge to fiddle with the tail again. "Is it not written in the Andalite-Hork-Bajir documents that they are obligated?"
((Only under the condition that the Human alliance remains.)) He corrected.
That didn't sound good. "And what are the chances that the Andalites will transport us on their own accord?"
((Practically zero,)) He stated coldly. ((Once we are away from Earth, we will likely have no reason to return to this part of the galaxy. The Central Allied Andalite Body is unlikely to provide funds for such an expensive transportation.))
"So we won't be taken back to the home planet when it's fixed…" I summarised in return, my shoulders slumping.
((We will not be obligated,)) He confirmed. ((And Humans are unlikely to develop space warp capabilities for at least another three centuries. If by then they haven't all blown each other out of existence.))
"I understand. There are conditions in which we will be transported, though. Section 5.1 from the 2002 treaty describes those circumstances."
He had zapped up the document in question within seconds and examined. ((Ah yes, I remember these. However, I don't think either situation is likely. Not in the near future. The Humans won't wipe themselves out that quickly, and nor is there currently any neutral or aggressive force invading your Earth home.))
"But in those situations, we will be moved by your transporters."
((Precisely, unless by that time our allegiance goes the same way as the Humans'.))
I cocked my head curiously. "Why would our ties end?"
He crossed his small arms over his chest. ((If we are to separate from Earth entirely, then there is little point in continuing our connection. We can mend your planet, but somebody else will have to transport you. Our alliance is more trouble than it's worth, for both parties involved. Who will attempt to transport the Hork-Bajir if they're under our custody? It may be best for you – and I will leave this decision to you and your people – to consider ending the Andalite connection.))
"We refuse."
He narrowed his gaze. ((We? I only see you…))
"I have talked to my people. We will do whatever it takes to get home, and you're our only way back. I refuse to end the alliance."
He hoisted his hands to the side like he wasn't willing to argue. ((As you wish. I don't see much good coming of it, though.))
"I believe that the main reason for the treaty in the first place was to ensure a passage for us to get home. That is our goal, and the treaty gives us that chance."
He sighed irritably. ((Taku Kelmut, unless the Kelbrids invade Earth, there will be no reason for the council to request the transportation of the Hork-Bajir to their planet. The agreement stands in the way of other races doing the transportation themselves, so I would highly suggest considering its value! If this is about reparations for the war, we've already done enough to satiate your people for the wrongs of ours. We healed those on planet Earth shortly after the war ended. Those with the worst injuries. We agreed with the Humans that you would have a home here and we've done what we can to protect you.))
"I am not asking for reparations," I retorted. "I want security. Our alliance not only gives the chance of a return home, but it means that we will be protected if attacked. We cannot defend ourselves and your military is more than capable of keeping us safe."
He snorted derisively. ((No one will attack you. I doubt even the Kelbrids will find your race of interest.))
"But what of the Humans?" I asked. "If your alliance disappears, what's to stop the Humans from destroying us? We live on their planet. They could annihilate us with ease if they really wanted. You would consider them a neutral force, wouldn't you?"
((Yes, we would. But it won't happen. We've observed the Human-Hork-Bajir relationship and they seem very fond of your race. I'm not sure why.))
I hid my displeasure at his attitude and moved on. "Could you tell me about the movement of Hork-Bajir from Yeerk bases? Under the rules of the last decade, Hork-Bajir rescued from rogue Yeerk bases were taken here. Will that change?"
He rubbed his hand to his cheek, pondering as he flipped through to another file. ((The last Hork-Bajir recovery was just over an Earth year ago. The three were brought here. The number of remaining Yeerk bases is estimated to be few more than zero.))
"But if you were to find any, where would the Hork-Bajir go?"
((They were always brought here. Things may change though…)) He suggested, reading deeper into the muddle of symbols suspended before him. ((Ah, here we go. Hork-Bajir recovered from outside of known Hork-Bajir territory are to be taken to such territory, with permission of the holder of the land. The holder would be the Humans. It would depend entirely on whether they would permit it.))
"Well, that's something," I smiled. "I don't think the Humans would block any entry. As you mention, they're very fond."
He rubbed at his head. I think that if Andalites could yawn, he'd be doing just that. I appeared to be boring him. ((Is there anything else you would like to bring up about the contracts, Taku Kelmut?))
"Of course. But before that, could I just ask when the next update will be arriving from our home world. It's been a year since the last batch of results came through."
He sighed again, reluctantly bringing more up on his podium projector. ((Nothing planned.))
"Oh, really?" I said. "It's supposed to be every six months, isn't it?"
He shrugged and repeated, ((Nothing planned.))
"If I didn't know any better, I would come to the conclusion that this whole mess was anticipated long ago." I accused, growing agitated with him.
((Think what you will,)) He huffed. ((It will make little difference.))
"Could you at least request a report for me?"
He was reluctant, but after an expression of utter disinterest he began to put orders to his computer. ((Maybe you are as stubborn as Toby Hamee.)) He commented.
"Maybe more so," I grinned. "When can I expect the results to be delivered to me?"
Cafciyt shook his head. The mutual frustration was rising. ((Must you be so impatient?!)) He blurted. ((All will get done in due time! You're lucky that I even put up with you today.))
I was in no mood to bicker with him. Quite clearly, his innate dislike for me wasn't going to waver. However, in my momentary state of mind, I forgot about their alertness. I felt a tingle in my foot where the robot had zapped me earlier, so I lifted it up high in order to rub it…
In a flash, I was pounced upon. Cafciyt swung his tail forward, pressing it up against my neck. It clanked, connected with something. Two more blades from the security aided in encircling my neck. Cafciyt's face was panicked.
I slowly lowered my leg, panting heavily with the onrush of adrenalin. "I… uh…"
Then Cafciyt started to appear conflicted. ((What are you doing?))
"My foot was itchy," I shuddered. "I was going to rub it."
The three blades dropped away and I almost collapsed to the floor. The stenographer watched on, baffled, his typing momentarily halted. Then he found something to write about the situation and tapped away on the pad.
((Apologies.)) Cafciyt offered, backing away and continuing with his file searching.
"Apology accepted." I replied shakily, my tail firmly gripped in hand.
