"I thought it was just the Councilwoman and her own subjects?" I questioned.
"First, she's not a queen but a Grand Council member. Second, she doesn't own subjects," Dr. Vektor stated.
'...Could've fooled me.' I thought.
"The Grand Councilwoman and the rest of the elite Council members will be discussing the performances and results," Dr. Vektor said as he rubbed his shoulder, "Meaning…You have more people to try to win their good favor. …And you do indeed need to gain some of their good favor; I doubt you won the Grand Councilwoman's vote."
A loud buzz echoed throughout the ship as the speakers rang, "This will conclude the first part of the assessment. All experiments are to report here tomorrow at 11am. For those who haven't been able to finish or unable to participate; we'll make sure you all get the chance to finish tomorrow."
Meanwhile…
The Grand Councilwoman waited in a bright white circular room as her mind wandered into worrisome thoughts.
"Transport arrival," An electronic voice stated as a purple portal opened, and a hooded figure arrived. He pulled back his hood and looked back as the portal closed.
A seven-foot-tall alien with wide circular black eyes with a red fur mohawk shone brightly contrast to the grayish blue covered body. The alien wore a vestment similarly to the the Grand Councilwoman; the ears perked as the alien scanned the place. The alien's tail swished as he said, "Thank you for inviting me to this assessment."
"Grand Council Master Vance-lo," the Grand Councilwoman said as she bowed, "I'm honor you have accepted it. However, I must say that it wasn't I who sent the request; it was regrettably from another council member."
Vance-lo rubbed his bulbous black nose and questioned, "Veiya?"
"I would assume…" the Grand Councilwoman responded.
"Master… I just wanna say I-," the Grand Councilwoman was interrupted by Vance-lo as he raised his paw, "Please, remember what I said. 'Once you've reached the point; you may no longer call me master.' You were all my students yes and I did my best to help you; however, you are no longer my student. You have reached where you were meant to be and now, we are equals."
"I know," she retorted, "but after everything that happened… I never got the chance to give you a proper thank you; especially, since this is one of those rare occasions."
"I can understand. For once, we aren't in one of those long and arduous meetings of setting up boundaries and relocating planets, moons, microplanets, dwarf planets, galaxies, etc."
A moment of silence consumed them as they pondered on the past.
"Do you think Veiya is now trying to take advantage of the situation?" she asked.
"Possibly… Granted she has denied adding this whole cluster in her sector twice already. She does have a claim, since the cluster has always been between your's and her's sectors."
"I bet it doesn't help that I haven't shared the existences of these beings publicly either," she spat.
"You were following the rules and duties of being a Grand Council member," he placed his paw on her shoulder. "Don't blame yourself for those standards."
"Still… The fact that maybe Veiya set this up bothers me deeply," she stated.
"Well, you have to think about it like this…" he pulled back his paw and walked to the center of the room.
He snapped his fingers and a holographic screen projected.
He waved his fingers and drew on the screen, "You may remember… But a little refresher wouldn't hurt. Now… As Grand Council Members we each have our own individual sector to look after. We have established rules and policies to ensure that the power is in checked within that sector. Right?"
She nodded and then viewed his flowchart while he continued, "Right. Since each sector has a Head Council member, like you and I for example, and each member is to operate independent from any other Head Council members from their designated sectors; we have to work within our sector's laws and governmental institutions," he paused and simply drew two bubbles, "to keep power in check. However, if there is a potential abuse of power that threatens the balance of one sector from another-"
"There can be an emergency meeting with the Head Council member of the alleged sector and those surrounding it," she finished as she crossed her arms and faced the screen, "in order to prevent the situation before it can get any worse."
"Exactly…" he chimed. "This is a very rare and unusual circumstance though… Normally, spontaneous new species isn't enough to warrant such a thing; however, given with the uniqueness of these creatures and with their abilities… It can be viewed as such a sign of difference of power."
"And since Veiya's sector and my own sector meet up here in this system… It can be viewed as my sector abusing its power against hers," she growled, "meaning she can make a case to relocate it."
"Now don't be discouraged," he smiled, "just focus on what you can do. Bright side if her claim is denied; she'll have to wait many many eons before she can make any new ones."
"I'm more worried about what is happening currently than in the future," she admitted.
"Transport arrival," An electronic voice stated as a purple portal opened, and another hooded figure arrived.
They pulled back their hood and looked around the white room and their eyes landed on the two Council members; a smile grew as they approached. The six-foot alien icy scale blue shined while his black eyes showed much joy; he extended his scaly hand. "Thanks for inviting me to this assessment. It sure looks like these creatures can handle themselves quite well."
Vance-lo groaned while the Grand Councilwoman chuckled, "Demystro, thanks for coming."
Vance-lo commented, "Demystro… Have you forgotten your etiquette?"
Demystro gulped nervously, "Um… No master, I haven't."
"It's just that it's been a while since I have seen you guys," he added with a smile.
"Demystro," Vance-lo retorted, "You don't have to call me-"
He was interrupted, "I know sir, but, to me… You're my teacher and master."
"So, are these the experiments we have to assess?" he asked as he scratched his saggy skin on his throat; missing the small spines that protrude.
"Yes."
"600 plus?" he commented.
"Correct."
"Gods… That's a lot of stuff we have to go through," he stated, "Can we speak with the creator of these experiments or at least get some information Ms.-"
"Ah," The Grand Councilwoman raised her hand, "I'll make sure each of you get information on all the experiments; however, the one who created them is currently unavailable. He is recovering from an incident, and it is unknown when he will be fully awake."
Demystro commented, "I'm deeply sorry to hear that."
The Grand Councilwoman replied, "I appreciate that and I'm sure his family would as well."
"Can I just say how excited I am to see all these experiments," Demystro grinned.
"Well, hopefully once we're all gathered here… I can give you a tour around the ship and possibly the island," the Grand Councilwoman explained.
"And these…Humans are just okay with a giant unknown space craft and aliens walking around?" he asked.
"Surprising," she retorted, "I know."
"Well, who else are we waiting?"
"I believed just one or two more…"
Meanwhile…
Dr. Vektor Vodra looked at 628 as he rubbed his sore body, "I know this is a lot to take in…why don't you go out and get some food."
"B-but what about-" I asked but was interrupted, "Having you scared and unfocused is more dangerous… So, once you have settle down, come back here and call me. Please keep this a secret… if anyone were to find out; it could be very bad."
I nodded and turned to face the door but stopped. "Dr. Vorda… Is-is there a way you can fix this?"
"Fix what?"
"Me."
I looked over my shoulder, "Can you fix me?"
"Hmm…It'll be very difficult since we don't have the time," Dr. Vodra commented, "Let's just focus on you passing the remainder of this assessment."
"How?" I responded.
"By playing your part as an experiment," he said, "that's how."
"Oh…" I muttered, "like wearing a mask."
"What was that?" he questioned.
"Nothing," I nodded and left the lab. Dr. Vodra pushed a button, and an electric field surrounds the room; a low resonating hum echoed in the room.
He rubbed his face and sigh deeply, "This… This is going to much more difficult than I expected."
He walked over to and pulled out a device similarly to a smart phone; however, once he activated the device. A hologram emerged as he swiped through and mumbled to himself.
Minutes later…
'How can I be so stupid… I shouldn't had acted like that… I should know better than to act like that…Even though I'm truly scared. …I must try to focus on the goal. My goal is to get back home to my mom, my friends, and my family. I…I just need to think how to get back there,' I pondered as I walked around the town. Tuning out all of the noises from cars, people and even nature itself.
"I just have to do something to fix this… I have to," I muttered to myself
My ears twitched as they swivel back and forth, and I just slapped them. However, I faintly heard a sound but I just shove it a side as I try to think.
"Wish this stupid "Assessment" here had a written part; I could have at least studied and be prepared. This whole winging it may not be the best choice; just…just have to act the part. Man, this is harder than being stuck in home hours of each day while my dad gave me those dumb academic speed tests. …At least then I had my friends to help, but not this time."
The sound started to become more prominent and I felt my ears twitch again while I was lost in thought.
"Max!" I jumped and turned as I see Lilo and Stitch standing back.
"Oh don't do that!" I yelled.
"You weren't answering when we called your name," Lilo explained.
"Sorry," I said as I smiled at them, "I was busy thinking."
"Oh…Also I um… I'm sorry for getting you two into trouble," I added.
"It's okay Max," Lilo spoke, "It wasn't your fault. We should've known better than to go behind Nani's back. …Granted, I'm happy that we all can just be together."
"Lilo," I questioned, "How many assessments have there been?"
Lilo bit her lip and looked at Stitch who nodded, "Well… this will be the third time this has happened after the incident."
"What incident?"
"The battle against the Leroys," she added, "the Grand Councilwoman decided that all experiments should be yearly tested after that."
"Is it true that no one has failed?"
"Well…," she said as she closed her eyes.
"Well, what?"
"I-I honestly don't know…," she opened her eyes and averted my gaze as she began but stopped, "I only know that in the last two assessments…"
"Hmm?" I tilted my head in confusion, "What? What happened?"
"Well… in the last two assessments… You were pulled out before completing it. But yes…No other experiments had failed."
"Wait really?"
"Ih," Stitch nodded, "Yes youga naga finished it before."
"Stitch! Lilo!" we all turned as a voice rang happily; a furry pink experiment approached with many bags.
"Angel!" Stitch screamed as he hugged her.
Her mouth opened as if she was going to say something; until her eyes landed on me.
"Hmph… Gaba he doing here?" she asked.
"Angel," Lilo said as she crossed her arms, "We're just talking with Max. Since, it's not often that he is out of his pod form."
"Ih," Stitch retorted, "Youga know Jumba no let him out while Jumba work on him."
"Angel…I," I said but Angel interrupted, "Naga, meega no wanna hear it Max."
"Well…How about we invite Max to the Ohana BBQ?"
"Gaba!" Angel screamed as she faced and gave a death glare pointed at me.
"Angel…Remember," Lilo commented, "Ohana is family and family means no one gets left behind or forgotten."
"Max isa cousin," Stitch added, "so he isa ohana."
"Ok. Ok," she said as she handed some bags to me and retracted her second set of arms.
"Does this mean… You forgive me?" I asked.
"Mmmm… Naga."
"Oh, come on! I said I was sorry."
Angel remained quiet as both Lilo and Stitch eyed us in awkward silence. She walked and then Lilo and Stitch followed her; while I was confused.
"Well do youga wanna go Ohana BBQ?" she asked loudly.
"Oh right…yes…sorry," I jogged after them as fast as I can without damaging the bags I held. "I'm coming."
Minutes later…
We reached a wide picnic area with many experiments, aliens, and humans all together and seem to have a good time. Max noted how the place felt very welcoming and inviting; beautiful, decorated candles and lights dress the tables with unique hand-crafted ornaments on the numerous tables. Many laughs and the sounds of people enjoying themselves echoed in my ears.
'I…I guess it would make sense that they need a big space… There are over 600 plus mouths to feed? How are these supposed to fill everyone's stomach here? Also, I thought my family was crazy when it came to parties…Geez, they sure know how to make big spectacles,' I couldn't help but chuckled at my thought as Angel and I placed our bags down.
I stood awkwardly as she pointed her paws at the bags; mentally counting them, while I took a gander at the scene around me. A few minutes later she stopped and faced me again.
"Naga."
"What?"
"Youga asked meega forgive. Megga said naga," she hissed.
"Angel I'm very, very sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings," I commented, "that wasn't my intention."
Ours faces were inches apart, but Angel turned and had her back at me.
"Look…I-I know that we got off the wrong foot," I said, "but can we have a do over?"
"Do over?" She looked over her shoulder confused.
"Gaba youga mean 'do over'?"
"Like a second chance," I said simply with a small smile.
My face started to betray my body's composure while Angel pondered.
And then she turned around and released a sigh. "Okie-taka."
She extended her paw, "Meega isa Angel."
"Nice to meet you Angel," I grabbed her paw and lightly shook it, "I'm Max."
We chuckled as Lilo, and Stitch approached us with an experiment with a white chef hat.
"Frenchfry, will this do?" Lilo asked and Frenchfry nodded excitedly, "Yes. Yes! Taka Lilo!"
'Oh…So that's how they're going to make the food? But can this little guy make enough for everyone here?'
"Don't worry Max," Lilo chuckled, "Frenchfry here will make sure there's enough for everyone. After all, he is the best chef on the island."
He chuckled as he started to carry bags with Stitch assisting him.
"Huh…H-How did you figure I was thinking that?" I asked.
"Believe it or not… Many people who come to our BBQ often ask how do we plan on feeding everyone," Lilo giggled, "So I had a good guess that same thought crossed your mind."
"Oh," I remarked shocked.
She giggled once more and ran toward Frenchfry and Stitch, "I better help them out. See you guys later."
I waved I faced Angel; she grabbed my paw and we walked around and talked with some of the aliens, experiments and locals.
The festivities filled the evening with a giant calm and happy energy. I felt the music going through my body and felt the urge to dance; my paw occasionally tapped on the table. I sat alone and watched as Angel talked with other people and while Stitch and Lilo were spending time with Nani and David. I turned around and noted how there were other people dancing as well. With elation, I stood and started to dance to the rhythm as best I could. Soon a small circle formed around where I was; all cheered and shouted my name as they were amazed by my dancing skills.
I spotted Angel in the crowd and pulled her in as we dance. I could tell that she was shocked by the action, but soon she had a smile on her face. We dance awkwardly together while the crowd just chanted our names. When the music stopped, the crowd released a disappointed groan and both Angel and I laughed.
"I'm sure the music will be on soon again," I said and that seem to cheer people up.
"Food is ready!" someone announced, and we all waited as experiments handed Frenchfry's food.
Angel and I waited with some random people while the food was being passed out.
"Youga dance well," Angel commented and I rubbed the back of my head and lightly laughed. "Thanks. I was just having a good time?"
"Did you have fun dancing?" I asked.
"Yes, meega did," Angel smiled, "Meega had fun."
"Awesome Angel," I said with a smirk etched on my face.