The letter came two agonizing weeks later, and had been delivered to the precinct by special courier.
Once more, Elisa found herself seated in a conference room with Matt and Maria.
Maria did the honors after seeing Matt and Elisa's hesitancy to read it.
She slid a finger along the top of the large official envelope to break the seal, then slid out a pair of regular sized envelopes. One addressed to Matt, Maria and Elisa…
And one addressed to Nayeli and her parent or guardian.
"Ours first," Elisa insisted.
Maria nodded, then began reading:
Captain Chavez, Detective Bluestone and Detective Maza;
This letter is to inform you of the decisions made by the members of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the representatives and dignitaries in attendance at the special session on Wednesday, June 20.
It is the decision of the representatives and dignitaries within the United Nations, and those countries represented within, that the beings known as Gargoyles within the United States of America to be classified as a sovereign nation, able to rule and enforce their own laws on American soil, as long as the laws of the United States be observed and remain unbroken.
It is the decision of the representatives and dignitaries within the United Nations, and those countries represented within, that the beings known as Gargoyles in countries outside of the United States of America be allowed to choose to take part in the already established Gargoyle Council in New York State, United States of America and be acknowledged as independent sovereign nations of their home countries.
It is the decision of the representatives and dignitaries within the United Nations, and those countries represented within, that the beings known as Gargoyles be allowed, once a year, to meet with their own countries representation within the UN to further develop relations between humans and Gargoyles.
It is the decision of the representatives and dignitaries within the United Nations, and those countries represented within, that the beings known as Gargoyles individually or as a whole have the right at any time to invoke a reserve standing as an endangered species. If such a decision is reached, the government of their home country will work in accordance with their nation's regulations within the parameters set of the Endangered Species acts.
Maria lowered the paper and heaved a sigh.
"So nothing changes?" Matt asked.
"Depending on how you look at it," Elisa said with a smile, "Nothing changes, or everything does."
Maria picked up the second envelope and held it out to Elisa. "It says Parent or Guardian."
Elisa took it and debated with herself. Eventually, she gave in and opened it. From inside, she withdrew two pieces of paper.
She read the top one first.
Miss Nayeli,
Greetings again. It was my pleasure to make your acquaintance the other night, and the talk that we had after the session broke for the evening was rather informative as well.
I must admit, much to my chagrin, that I had not thought that ones called gargoyles would not be so well spoken. The fault in that assumption was mine, and one I regret heartily.
In the excitement of the events of that evening, I must tell you that I had forgotten to turn my microphone completely off. While I was not projecting into the room, deligates found they were able to listen in on our conversation.
While I would like to apologize, our back and forth covered many of the concerns that had been raised about you all. It became the deciding factor for many in our final decisions.
I enclosed the paper that I had written on that evening. While I apologize for its necessity, and the rudeness in which it had been brought up in the meeting, I believe that you will understand the impact you had as well as its reasoning.
I would like to invite you and your clan to come again and speak to us as a whole unit at a future date. You have quite the future ahead of you, no matter what you choose to do with it.
Thank you,
Magnus Burnsides
Presiding Chairman
United Nations
United States of America
Confused, Elisa turned to the second page and read it closely. It was a combination of handwritten notes and a typed list. She felt her hackles rise at the first bullet point, but then she began reading the handwritten notes beside each one.
Nayeli,
You may not remember, but this is the all-so-important list that Governor Pine began to read before he was cut off. I thought you might find it interesting:
What it means to be human:
1. Able to communicate (words, symbols, gesture/posture, facial expression)
Nayeli is well spoken, able to make her needs and wants known, able to read and has a very expressive face.
2. To make decisions and bear consequences
Made the decision to speak to over 200 strangers, looked for approval from parent
3. To wear clothing and accessories
Very stylish and modern, while clan mates are a little more "old fashioned"
4. To become individuals in the process of making our lives and in what we want for the future
Made her thoughts very clear on the direction her plan wanted to go. A Gargoyle Liaison and a police detective. Bold choices, but we believe she will exceed with anything she puts her mind to if given the chance.
5. To think: to ponder on the past, the present, the future
Shared her clan's origins, holds tightly to keeping old ways alive as well as the oral histories so that they may be passed along
6. To fit into different personality groups
There are different personalities abounding within the clan, but the instinct to protect is strong
7. To fit into different racial, cultural, religious and political groups
They are their own group, but willing to learn and adapt to others
8. To have a government
They have formed a council to oversee their own laws, pass along information and see to the aid and protection of other clans around the world
9. Being unique (choices, clothing, preferences, talents/gifts, perspectives, likes/dislikes)
There are glaringly obvious differences and choices within the three representatives that have come here.
10. To live in an economy
Living in New York and patronizing local businesses, parks, stores
11. To inherit genes and behaviors from parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, et al.
Again, the instinct to protect seems almost imbedded in the gargoyle DNA, but is probably a learned behavior within their clans. Although, according to Nayeli, it wasn't until recently that the clans began to acknowledge parentage as humans do, there was still a host of "aunts", "Uncles", "Brothers", "Sisters" and friends that would only open them up to a broad range of education and love within the extended family unit.
12. To be unique as a species
Gargoyles are unique, that is for sure. I only wish there were more, as I'm certain the world would be a far safer place.
Nayeli, if you are reading this, please know that these are not only my thoughts. These are only a few of the thoughts that were spoken of once you had left and the others slept. I must admit to a secret thrill watching the process of not only their sleeping, but their waking as well. You come from an obviously proud species, and I only hope to still be around to see what you become in the future.
As I have told my own children, "shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll hit a star."
Hold nothing back, Nayeli, and see where it takes you.
Thank you for sharing with us all,
Sincerely,
Magnus