Chapter 18
"The United what of what!?" Sherene shouted at the monitor, her volume surpassing her small stature, as if the Chancellor himself would hear her on Andoria.
She stood and angrily switched the monitor off. "This is it… This will be the end of Andorian civilization as we know it, you mark my words."
"Oh, probably not," said Azhri, trying to play fair as usual. "The Coalition didn't turn out so bad."
"Yeah," said Sherene, "for trade or mutual defence. But this is our national identity we're talking about! We'll lose our history, our culture…"
"We'll still have those things," Azhri said delicately. "It'll just be a shared history and culture from then on. You heard the Chancellor; this will only make Andoria stronger. I think it'll be a good thing."
Sherene scoffed. "You think every Andorian's gonna be happy about being under the same flag as the Vulcans?" She held up her hands defensively. "I mean, I've nothing against them, but a lot of the older generation still remember fighting them as enemies. Same with the Tellarites.
"And speaking of fighting: What's gonna happen to the Imperial Guard? You think the soft-hearted Humans or Vulcans will let us keep our military?" She gestured to Threv. "Our th'se could find himself out of work."
Threv had been silent throughout and since the speech, but his antennae twitched nervously now. The Chancellor's revelation had been massive, and he was still processing it. Becoming one government with Humans, Vulcans, and Tellarites seemed monumental - impossible, even. But he couldn't help thinking that the tolerence of those other races - especially Humans - might be beneficial for Andorians. There could be others out there like him, suffering inwardly, who would no longer be afraid of seeking help.
He was proud to serve his empire - that was why he wanted help overcoming his problems - but if he had to discontinue this service in exchange for a better world, then it was a sacrifice he was willing to make.
Not that he'd voice this aloud in present company. Not now, anyway.
Chalmos got up from the couch and put a calming hand on Sherene's shoulder. "Whatever happens, we'll be okay. We'll have each other."
He looked at Threv with an admiration that burned, but Threv couldn't look away. Not out of guilt though - instead he felt a swell of pride within himself, as if empowered by Chalmos' gaze.
He so badly wanted to be the hero that everyone believed him to be, but now, rather than seeing that image as a taunting lie, he thought of it as a goal to strive towards, just like this Federation. This, he realised, was what had driven him into the jaws of death at the pole; not an escape but a redemption.
He vowed to no longer shun his bondmates' admiration. He would see it as something to earn, so that when he finally confessed his trauma it would not seem like so much of a betrayal. If there was to be a better world, it would need better people.
Azhri stood and helped Threv up with his good arm. The four of them embraced in a group hug.
For the first time in a long while, Threv felt like he had something to live for.
Sal couldn't think of anything to say, which was unusual for her.
The Tellarite High Councillor had just announced that the races of the Coalition of Planets would be combining into one great, big interplanetary state. It was one for the history books, that was for sure.
While Sal's people had joined the Coalition during the Romulan War, they had pulled out after the devastation of Draylax. There were too few of them left to form any sort of government. If not for their homeworld's destruction, would they, too, be part of this 'Federation'? She couldn't even begin to speculate.
She switched off the monitor and looked to Supervisor Grum. The High Councillor had assured her people that this union would enrich and broaden their culture, giving them whole new perspectives to debate, but Sal knew not everyone was likely to see it that way.
A few of the other alien patrons were chatting away about the news, but Grum remained uncharacteristically quiet, and Sal watched him cautiously.
Then, he burst out laughing and slapped the countertop.
"This is excellent!" he shouted. "More nog! In fact, eggnogs for everyone, on me!"
The other customers were indifferent to this.
Sal grinned. "You seem unexpectedly pleased with this news, Supervisor."
"Well of course I am! Diversity's what Tellarites are all about! This will bring all new opportunities to disagree with people, like the lady said." He gestured vaguely at the monitor, and Sal noticed that his speech was slightly slurred. Was eggnog intoxicating for Tellarites? She really should check for this kind of thing more often.
She chuckled as she poured Grum his warm drink. "You're not… concerned?"
Grum took a hearty swig from his mug. "Concerned? I'm not concerned. What f-for?"
"Your whole government's about to change. You're gonna be a citizen of this United Federation of Planets. Gonna be in bed with the Vulcans, Andorians, and Humans."
Grum leaned forward on the counter conspiratorially, forcing Sal to lean in too.
"I'll tell you a secret…" he said. "Despite everything I say… I kinda like Humans."
She let out a theatrical gasp.
Grum nodded, waggling his beard. "'S'true. They have so many points of view! They are almost as diverse as Tellarites, they're just not as skilled con- conver- conversationalists. Too polite. Takes a lot to get them prop'ly arguing. But we can teach them now! Make them into master debaters!"
Sal shook her head, smirking at the inebriated supervisor. "Who would have thought you were such a big fan of Humans?"
He pointed at her, putting on a stern face. "If you tell anyone I said alla that, I'll deny it!"
They both laughed.
"I'm glad you think this is all a good idea anyway," said Sal. "I'm sure there's plenty who'll disagree."
Grum grinned. "I hope so."
