Bashir and I are seated across from three Xi'An in a smallish conference room. First is a Seer, one I know: Toth Anddag, the "Eldest Seer of the Outer Ring" and one who I can hope is at least positively disposed towards me. Next to him sits a Diplomat Enek Gogaa, who was introduced as the highest ranking member of the diplomatic corps on Xi. Finally, we again have the pleasure of visiting with the stone faced Mai Ee'shu, though I have to wonder if her presence means the appeal to the Emperor thing is a no-go. The pleasantries or in Mai Ee'shu's case the not very politenesses, are done and we are sitting in silence.

"So," I ask, "How does this play out exactly?"

"We are awaiting confirmation of instructions from the Emperor's council," Diplomat Gogaa says in almost flawless English.

"So I should guess this doesn't happen very often?" I wonder aloud.

Toth Anddag replies, "To our knowledge, this is the first time a human has had both the right and a need to appeal to the Emperor. We do not wish to improperly expose any more Hatched to humans than need be nor expose Jiā's location to any outsiders."

"You mean we would get to go to Jiā?"

He nods, "Yes. You have appealed to the Emperor, you must go to where the Emperor is."

"Wow..."

"What's a Jiā?" Bashir whispers.

"Jiā is the legendary homeworld of the Xi'An and seat of Imperial power," I reply quietly and it seems all three Xi'An find my answer humorous... even Mai Ee'shu.

The Toth Anddag explains, "You must forgive Shawn Ryan's description, Bashir Abboud. Jiā is our home before all homes, our paradise, that place where all true Hatched dwell at least in heart, and the Place of the Throne of His Imperial Majesty, First Above All Hatched, Emperor Kray."

"Kinda like Eden?" Bashir boldly asks to something of a frown from the old Seer.

"Please forgive him," I comment, "Bashir doesn't know the proprieties yet."

He nods, then admits, "I do not know of this 'Eden', Bashir Abboud."

I look at Bashir and instruct, "When you reply, if the other person has pronounced your name, especially if they are higher ranking, then you are obligated to pronounce theirs. Do you understand?"

"Okay. I'll try." He looks back at the Seer and answers, "Eden is the Biblical home of humans, Toth Andag."

"Anddag," he gently corrects before I can.

Bashir tries again, "Anddag."

"Very good. You learn quickly. And I thank you for telling me of this planet, I had not heard this."

"Oh, it wasn't a planet, just a place on Earth."

"Ah, I see."

"The business at hand," Mai Ee'shu breaks in, "Is how to we minimize their exposure while obeying the Right to Appeal to the Throne? Klaahk did not foresee this detail where the contradictory rules on the Protection from Exposure to Aliens and Right to Approach the Throne vie with the Right to Appeal to the Throne."

Seer Anddag opines, "I still believe that the Right to Appeal will outweigh the others with the proper precautions. So we put them into complete stasis here and only revive them once they are on the Palace grounds, then maintain a quarantine until they are actually to appear before the Emperor Himself."

"What are you talking about?" I ask with a mixture of concern and curiosity.

Whether my question inspires the Diplomat or not, he raises a new line of thought, "Do either of them understand the Right of Appeal to the Throne or the possible outcomes?"

I answer directly, "No, Enek Gogaa, I don't believe we have had that explained yet."

Mai Ee'shu must be the ranking expert, because she answers, "Right of Appeal to the Throne has one of two outcomes: Your charges are dismissed or you are executed for wasting the Throne's consideration."

"That's some fine print."

"Do you still wish to Appeal to the Emperor?"

I look over at Bashir, "What do you think?"

"We aren't guilty. Do we have any other choice?"

"Doesn't look like it."

I look back at the three of them, "Yes, we still wish to Appeal to the Emperor."

Enek Gogaa looks at each of the other two Xi'An and says, "I consider them to have been appropriately warned."

Mai Ee'shu smiles rather like a predator while Toth Anddag simply nods.

…..

"Are we going to be okay?" Bashir asks, a bit of uncertainty on his face.

"Well, I sure hope so," I reply. "I'm going to do everything I can to keep you out of trouble at the very least."

"Well, yeah, I understand that, but I mean these things." He points at the cryo tubes we are about to be loaded into.

"To be honest, I figured they were going to let us use MUD, but they have their own formula for mammals that they assure me works fine."

"Mammals?" the teen asks, looking appropriately dubious.

"An'shan. It is supposedly a term only used for humans, but Kree'Gna once admitted it applied to all warm blooded creatures, especially mammals."

Bashir's voice falls as he says, "Can I admit that I don't think that's really reassuring?"

I nod, "Sure. I sure don't find it at all comforting either. But apparently they don't have the equipment for reviving MUDdy bodies and they claim this always works."

The medical staff of four seems organized and efficient, but we still watch them closely. We are in our flight suits with helmets at hand, I guess they want us suited to reduce any margin of error... at least they should have complete control of the suit's environment.

The one who is translating comes over to the both of us and requests, "Please put your head equipment on and recline in the stasis containers."

I nod to Bashir and say, "Comms on low power direct."

He looks puzzled, "How?"

"You mobi should already be synced with the suit, right?"

"Yes, sir."

"When the helmet latches, bring up your suit controls and you will have the helmet functions available. Choose low power and when I give you a thumbs up, take the local comm sync option."

"Why didn't I have to do this on the ship?"

Part of me is annoyed with all the questions, but he won't learn if he doesn't ask. "Ship comms automatically link with both mobi and helmet by default. You've got to turn the link off to make it completely person to person."

"Won't the Xi'An ships link to our helmets?"

"Be pretty boring if they did, just hearing us snore or whatever. Besides, I think they will exclude our connections anyway, they get pretty paranoid about us having access to their ships, especially since we are going where no human has gone before."

The interpreter is rather annoyed with our conversational delay, "Head equipment and recline please!"

We both don the helmets, I adjust my glove settings, and after I see him set the mobiglas link up, I give him a thumbs up. The sync request lights and I accept it.

"Can you hear me?" Bashir asks.

"Sure can. You?"

"Loud and clear."

"Okay, in we go," I state as I lay into the cryo cylinder. Continuing, I tell the teen, "I don't know how long their formula takes, if you have any questions, ask."

"Yes, sir. And thanks for bringing me. I know this hasn't turned out like we thought, but it's been the greatest adventure of my life."

"You're a good..." I was about to say 'kid' but correct myself, "... Young man, Bashir. I'm proud to have you along."

I see one of the medics bend over me, feel straps securing me, and note a change in the air flowing into my suit. Then there is a sharp needle prick and almost immediately I am losing my vision... that or the cylinder is going black.

"I can't see!" Bashir isn't exactly panicked, but alarmed is at least accurate.

"It's normal, I've got the same," I reply as reassuringly as possible.

"Okay."

"See you when we get there."

"Yeah," he says. "Lord Bless."

I guess I've overlooked his faith of late, but just now, I hope that if there is a "Lord" watching over him that Whoever does extend a little of that "bless" stuff to me.

…..

I wonder if their system isn't working. It's still black and air seems to be moving gently past my face.

"Mr. Ryan?"

"Bashir?"

"When are they going to do it?"

"I don't know, I thought..."

I'm interrupted by a blinding light and it's all I can do not to scream when a head appears through the glare looking closely at me.

"Shuwn Ryn? Nadjah Ith Mayn? (more or less, Can you hear me?)"

Strange accent, but I think he is trying to ask if I can hear him. All that comes to mind is, "Ga (Yes)."

"What?" Bashir asks, then he apparently has a similar encounter, "Whoaaah!"

"I just told someone 'Ga.' That means 'yes'."

The teen sounds a little confused. "The translator person must be gone. I think someone is asking me something like 'Nadjy Ih May?'"

I repeat, "Just say 'Ga'."

"Ga?"

"Yes."

Concern is evident in Bashir's voice, "Is something wrong?"

My eyes are adjusting to the amount of light outside, not to mention I feel lighter. The room appears much larger than where we are... were... I wonder if... "Bashir, I think we are there already."

"I was just wondering that myself. I sure don't recognize these... is 'people' the right word for aliens like these?"

"Good enough for me, but that is a good question."

Hands release my straps and the tech working on me beckons me to sit upright. I'm a bit lightheaded at first, but that settles away.

The room is a vibrant emerald green, accented with silvers and golds. Overhead, the ceiling gives the appearance of bright sunlight filtering through trees, and at my feet the floors seem to be polished stone something like marble. Things that must be medical stations line the walls, and many techs in almost neon green garments move with accustomed purpose.

In my helmet, I hear Bashir say, "I can't understand you."

"Are you sitting up yet?" I ask.

"No, is that what he wants me to do?"

"Are you unstrapped?"

"Yes, sir."

"Try sitting up, but not too fast."

"Whoooaaahh! I can see why." Wonder fills his tone as he breathes, "This has gotta be somewhere else."

My tech is saying something, but I'm now completely past my simple Xi'An. "Ith Wahwei (I don't understand)," I repeat several times.

"What's that mean?" Bashir asks in my ear.

"It means 'I don't understand'."

"I need that one."

"Okay. 'Ith', 'I t h' is 'I', like 'me'."

"Got it."

"'Wahwei', ' i' is the 'don't understand' part."

"Ith wahwei?"

"You've got it. Sounds like you're a natural, kid." I hear him growl just a little, then I add, "Sorry, I forgot. You are indeed a young man and I shouldn't call you a kid. Forgive me?"

He sounds markedly brighter, "Yeah, it's all good."

My tech waves me to follow and I hesitantly rise. The ground is stable, but it takes a minute or so for my legs to confirm the fact. In the mean time, I join Bashir and help him to also stand.

We have both said "Ith Wahwei" several times to impossibly long questions when two familiar faces turn up: Seer Toth Anddag and Special Assistant Mai Ee'shu. Both are dressed much more formally than I have ever seen them, with flowing multicolored robes and their glyphs prominently displayed on their left sleeves. The Seer's eye, the Aet Nogg, though alone on Toth Anddag's sleeve, is an iridescent blue, startling in it's brilliance.

"Welcome to Jiā," the Seer intones, almost as if there was a special way to make this declaration.

"It is good to be here," I answer, hoping I haven't already failed my half of some ritual. "I was starting to wonder if we were going to have to learn Xi'An before we make our appeal."

"No," he replies with more smile than he old leathered face would seem able to grant. "There are several here who understand your speech just to make sure we translate you well."

I glance at Mai Ee'shu and hope she won't be one of those translating. Her look back at me is more inscrutable than ever.

…..

I note a lot of glances our way as we are ushered to an enclosed contraption. It isn't exactly a vehicle, it is... well... it's kinda like a small room with cushions inside that is mounted on two long horizontal posts. Once we are both inside it, there really isn't much more room, in fact, we can't even stand up, we pretty much just sit. The door and walls are translucent, with various images etched or otherwise imprinted in them, but it means we can't see out. The door latches and I hear the click of an old fashioned lock; we are going wherever without seeing anything... or perhaps that is more properly without others having to see us.

I hear no motor, but we begin moving in an undulating sort of way. I wonder if they are using some kind of anti-grav, a hover would make vibrations I would recognize. It seems strange.

Bashir is studying the walls, each image portrayed is a reason for fascination. He looks my way unexpectedly and says, "You know, I don't think I've ever seen a real sedan chair, much less got to ride in one."

"A what?"

"Sedan chair. I think that's what this is," he admits, then brightens as he continues, "I've seen them in history books. People used to carry important people in things like this on ancient Earth."

"Oh. So you think someone is carrying us?"

"Sure, can't you feel them taking steps?"

As I think about it, I recognize that he must be right. "Now that you mention it, I guess I do."

"Yeah. Pretty jix, don't you think?"

I nod and agree, "Yup. You're a smart... young man."

He grins widely, knowing I'm trying not to annoy him, "Thanks."

…..

We have been allowed to exit the sedan chair in a quiet little one-room building. The setting is very serene, there is a small waterfall at one end of the room, bringing a restful sound to the entire chamber. At the other, there are places to sit and what looks like a small kitchen. In between, aside from the sedan chair, there are cushioned mats that appear to be for sleeping. The whole inside of the cottage is lit from above, much like the place where we woke, and there are similar patters of light though these are as if though somewhat denser foliage.

There is a chime at the door, a small bell by the look of it, and this is now ringing.

"Hello?" I ask the air and the door opens.

"May I enter?" a somewhat familiar voice asks, though for the moment I can't place it.

"Please do. Enter and be welcome."

A deeply hooded Xi'An in a resplendent light turquoise robe enters. The glyphs on his left sleeve are diplomatic corps, done in a shiny black that stands out against the garment's colors like diamonds in sunshine.

I'm completely unprepared as the Xi'An before us tosses back his hood and Kree'Gna declares, "Shawn Ryan, Shē'sueren!"

Uncharacteristically, I run to my friend and throw my arms around him, "KREE'GNA! Shē'sueren!"

He laughs and for just a moment hugs me back.

Then, we are our usual selves and I back away to a proper distance. "I understood you were dead, my friend."

"It was desired that many think such. It is all part of the plan."

"Who's plan?"

"You shall see. Do you have a message to deliver to His Imperial Highness?"

"Oh, yeah, that. I'll need to retrieve it, but yes, I do."

"Will you be long, my friend?"

"No, I shouldn't. May I first introduce you to my copilot, the quite able son of one of my best friends. Kree'Gna, please see Bashir Abboud."

"Bashir Abboud, Shē'sueren. I am delighted to meet you." Kree'Gna bows and I indicate to Bashir to do the same.

"Um, nice to meet you too, sir."

I pronounce the name, "Kree'Gna."

"Oh, sorry. Nice to meet you too, Kree'Gna."

"I'll teach him 'shē'sueren' as soon as possible," I say, rather sheepishly.

"It would be most advantageous to do that soon," Kree'Gna comments.

"Are we meeting the Emperor now?"

"No, not quite yet. In the interim, we will need to prepare. Nothing is certain about your appeal, Mai Ee'shu seems quite displeased that you will be heard and is in council with Emperor Kray as we speak."

"And if we fail our appeal?"

"You will be executed before day ends." The finality in his words is unmistakable. He smiles grimly and states, "I will return, please be prepared with your message for the First Above All Hatched."

…..

It occurs to me as I pull the chip and place it into my glove that a lot of things had to happen just right to get me here and still I've been lucky that I have the chip, my glove, and a helmet to be able to hear it all in. It all might have fallen apart if they had taken my gear or prohibited me from bringing it.

I do discover, perhaps not surprisingly, that I have been deprived of my weapon. I hadn't noticed since I woke, but the pistol and its holster are gone. A quick glance at Bashir confirms that his stunner is missing as well. I guess that at least makes sense.

The lad seems to be taking today in better stride than I am. He is at least exploring the cabin, checking their version of a refrigerator, and munching on something. I guess I need to find out what the message really is.

Almost immediately after locking the helmet on, an image comes onto my hud: "Code Word Please" is all it says.

"Indigent."

The prompt disappears and Janice Amesly's holo materializes.

"Shawn Ryan, if you are seeing this, I hope you are on Jiā about to be presented to Emperor Kray. I can not imagine what you have been through to get there, setting this up has been a nightmare all by itself. Please believe that your sacrifice will be rewarded if you are able to return."

"If?" I mutter to myself, but the little holo doesn't stop for my comment.

"I will now switch you to a direct message from Imperator Costigan, please be careful to understand what he asks you to share."

"Uh huh," I mumble as her holo fades and the Imperator's face replaces it.

"Shawn Ryan, you've gone out on a limb this time, but trust me, I won't forget it. Okay, please tell Emperor Kray the following."

He pauses and the friendly face is replaced by a very serious one.

"In return for dropping charges against and releasing Jenk Gallen, we agree to the following:

"One wholly Xi'An owned corporate entity, up to and including an Imperial Chartered corporation, is granted the right to hold market concessions within UEE space, to be purchased and operated according to local norms by said entity;

"We agree not to press espionage charges against any of your Seers while they personally accompany any of your diplomatic staff, though we reserve the right to question any who are not either within Embassy locations or in the presence of said Diplomats;

"Likewise, we agree to share with your designee all information we have about any entrance into you space, authorized or not, by government employees, contractors, or their assigns. We will also provide you with what little we have found out about who may have been behind Jenk Gallen's actions.

"Further, we accept that any persons from the UEE attempting to cross Xi'An Imperial territory are by nature of the action accepting Xi'An laws and governance. We do not encourage or condone any attempt to search out Xi'An jump points, nor any attempt to reach your sworn enemies beyond your borders.

"Finally, we ask privately that should future attempts be made to violate your space in such a manner, that you consider it the United Empire of Earth's overriding standing plea for any such human, be they Citizen or civilian, that the party or parties are guilty as charged and desirous of swift merciless execution of justice to be carried out with as little fanfare as possible."

The Imperator's face is looking directly at me, "Ryan, I'm sure that last bit will stick in your craw, but you need to repeat it just like that. We can't have a war in the offing every time some jackass senator thinks he is more important that the whole Empire. You have to make sure that you say that last part. Do you understand?"

His face freezes with that question and even though I know it's a recording, dejectedly I answer, "Yes, sir."

Janice Amesly's holo reappears as the Imperator's fades, but all she says is, "If you are successful, please destroy this chip. If not, I suspect they will accomplish the deed for you. Good luck."

…..

Kree'Gna has returned with a pair of gifts: outfits that I guess will make us presentable. Actually, if we live the day and get to keep them, they really are worth the cost of the trip by themselves. Next to the skin we have expertly tailored dragonskin shirts and breeches, with snug fitting high-topped dragonskin boots below; each is adorned with clasps that are a bright shiny silvery metal. The value of the dragonskins alone is enormous, at least in the UEE. Upon these we each have deep blue hooded robes that reach to our ankles, the robes have heavy woven belts that seem to also be a silvery metal spun fine. Our only concession to being humans is that we both have our mobi's, Bashir his standard model and I my glove.

Kree'Gna nods with approval as we finish arraying ourselves thus.

Bashir tries one more time, "Shē'sueren."

"Very good, Bashir Abboud."

"Thank you, Kree'Gna. May I ask you something?"

"Perhaps," the Xi'An answers.

"It seems like most of the Xi'An I've met have two names or more. Do you have more than Kree'Gna?"

A glimpse of pain or perhaps shame flickers across my friend's face. I step forward to give a reply, but with a wave of his hand, Kree'Gna stops me.

His hurt expression now replaced with pride, he explains "You do not know our ways, Bashir Abboud. I was hatched in a noname nest. When I was old enough to study, I began and worked hard to learn all I could learn. My father taught me the simple work skills, but I also learned the civil skills as taught by Klaahk and the Many Since. At the end of my service, I was recruited to the Kla'Shi En on Xi..." he pauses, seeing the blank look on my companions teenage face and explains, "The Civil Service University on Xi."

"Okay," Bashir seems back on track.

"I passed the Dog Sha'U, a battery of tests that lasts 10 of your standard days..."

"Ten DAYS?!" Bashir exclaims.

Kree'Gna ignores the interruption, "... On my first try, with excellent marks in several areas. But my parents died very shortly after and I was, for a long time, marooned in my being. I turned down the civil service posting offered and took to space to redeem myself. It was there that I met Shawn Ryan," he pauses and takes a deep telling breath, only continuing after exhaling, "After a rather humiliating experience with an ill humored crew. Shawn Ryan and I became partners and flew together for many years. I did return to Xi'An space and re-earned my place in the Empire as a Diplomatic Courier. That is why I wear the Civil Service glyph twice, once for the Caste itself and once because I have no family glyph. This one in between is the Diplomatic Pilot's Assignment glyph."

"Jix! Thanks for telling me, Mr. Kree'Gna."

The Xi'An chuckles and looks at me, "You must be very patient with him."

"Yup. But he is still learning. Heck he's only been offworld this once."

"Excuse, me," the lad interrupts, "Mr. Ryan?"

"Yes, Bashir?"

"I was actually born on Persei. I've just never been in space that I can remember."

"Oops, my bad."

…..

"You must take great care not to look His Imperial Majesty in the eye unless he has given you permission," Kree'Gna instructs.

"Don't look at him?"

"No, not unless given permission."

"How do we talk to him to make our appeal or whatever?"

"You will remain bowing and let either Toth Anddag or I translate."

"What about my message to him?"

"I do not know," the Xi'An admits sourly. "This is unprecedented, so I am not sure."

"Is there anything else I should know?"

A gong reverberates in the rafters above us.

"That is the signal. We must go now. You must both wear your hoods up over your heads like this," he pulls his own hood over his head so that it almost completely hides his face.

Bashir and I do the same. From under his hood, the teenager asks, "How do I see where I'm going?"

"Shawn Ryan will follow my feet, you will follow his."

"What if I trip?"

"Don't."

…..

I hear snatches of conversation above the crunch of Kree'Gna's boots on the gravel path, but I can't hear them for long enough to have any sense of meanings. On either side of the raked gravel we are striding along are leafy green plants jeweled with exotic flowers. Perfumes, perhaps from those very buds, dance in the air with aromas at once both sensual and sweet.

In front of me, Kree'Gna slows, then I see the first step up. And another. Individual stairs become a stairway wrought of exotic stones set together with polished silver metal.

Ten steps.

Twenty.

Now it's forty... I think... I'm losing count.

Still more.

…..

How long have we been climbing?

The urge to peek past the confines of my hood is a deafening roar in the otherwise quiet ascent.

At the very edge of my hearing I detect something like the songs of distant birds, but what might be calls are laden with alien oddness. I've been many strange places, but not seeing this one is perhaps enlarging my experience of sound and smell.

A rhythm of bells or chimes of some sort seems to tumble like a mountain stream down the stairs from ahead. There is a fresh breeze with a wafting scent similar to rich incense firs with a hearty addition of vanilla.

And still up we climb.

…..

The system's sun is glowing hot above our hoods, I'm starting to sweat more than a little in the swelter.

Near at hand, now, there seem to be tubular bells on both sides being played with a subtle beat and melody, though in an unfamiliar manner and complexity. Indeed, now I detect natural percussion behind them with a soft matching sandpaper shuffle. There is at least one instrument like a guitar or synth doing a winding dance in harmony so artful that it seems part of the ambient air's response to the musicians.

Near at hand, a shadow joins Kree'Gna's and low voices converse in carefully modulated words.

…..

The shade approaches unexpectedly, but in welcome relief. The steps end in a wide stone floor of closely laid quartz and lapis tiles. Now I see the first decorations, sparkling emerald figures, simplified representations of some of the different races of the Hatched.

Kree'Gna stops and turns towards Bashir and I. "Shawn Ryan and Bashir Abboud, you are in the presence of His Imperial Majesty, First Above All Hatched, Emperor Kray. Please bow in honor of His Imperial Person."

Bashir whispers from behind me, "Which way?"

"Straight ahead, I guess," I breathe, while bowing in the direction I am facing.

A loud voice calls out something in Xi'An; our two names are part of the introduction, but I have not the slightest clue about meanings of the rest of it. I also hear Toth Anddag's name and then in lesser veneration Kree'Gna's.

A gravelly voice answers from out in front, a strong voice that through art or nature carries as if amplified. Again, the words are lost on me, but I hear our names, those of the two Xi'An that accompany us, plus at least one other that I recognize: Mai Ee'shu.

Kree'Gna has explained what comes next, so I am not surprised, My name is called and I hold my hands out in front of me, palms upraised. From my side, Kree'Gna says, "You may speak to the Emperor now..."

"Emperor Kray," Bashir's voice rings out, "Shē'sueren!"

The Xi'An equivalent of a dozen or more gasps of complete shock sound all around me.

"No!" Toth Anddag snarls, "Bashir Abboud! Eyes down!"

"Oh?!" the teen sounds suddenly terrified, "Sorry!"

From in front of us comes something of a guttural laugh followed by that deep booming voice giving some instruction.

From my left, Toth Anddag replies, then instructs, "Bashir Abboud, His Imperial Majesty grants you permission to look upon him. You may let your hood back."

The deep voice does a warm Xi'An laugh and the pronounces, "Bashir Abboud, Shē'sueren."

"Thank you, your Majesty, sir."

The deep voice addresses Kree'Gna who in turn speaks to me, "Well, things are not quite according to protocol, but His Highness wishes to know if you will also greet Him."

"Isn't it proper to look at someone you are greeting?"

"Yes. You may also look upon the First Above All Hatched."

I lift my hood from my face and realize that I am barely ten meters from a majestic Xi'An sitting upon a simple but exquisite raised dais.

I bow low and also offer, "Haeeth Dogo Xi'A Xres Kray, Shē'sueren!"

"Shawn Ryan, Shē'sueren," the Emperor replies with a carefully evaluating look.

The Emperor speaks and Kree'Gna translates for me, "It is as refreshing as it was unexpected to have had so honest a greeting as your young copilot has given me."

"Your Majesty should know that this youth, Bashir Abboud, is talented and honest, but he is still young and learning. I do apologize for any..."

The Emperor has been listening to a running translation and at this point raises his hand for silence. He speaks and this time, Toth Anddag translates to my teen companion, "His Majesty asks if you are not the copilot from the Argo?"

"Yes, your Majesty, sir," Bashir replies, his eyes never leaving the Emperor's face.

I look quickly around while this is happening and realize much. For one, the reason we had to climb so far is that we are at the apex of a cone-shaped hillock, with broad views of a verdant lush world. There are several courtiers or councilors gathered, and Mai Ee'shu is seated off to the Emperor's right maybe three meters away on a low stone bench.

The Emperor isn't done with Bashir yet. "His Highness asks if you were not also the person who had some experiences with space sickness in the presence of His Daughter?"

Bashir looks briefly at me and then back at Emperor Kray, "Yes, your Majesty, sir. I was kinda impatient and well... I didn't listen to... um... Captain Ryan." I see him wince a little before admitting, "I sorta drank sour milk and threw up all over."

"His Majesty understands that you are not yet assigned to military duty."

"Um... I don't really understand that, your Majesty, sir."

Emperor Kray's expression grows a bit more somber and he looks my way. Kree'Gna acts as interlocutor, "Shawn Ryan, it is known that not all human nestlings participate in military service, but His Majesty understands that this youth has shot down deployed torpedoes. He asks why Bashir Abboud is not being sent to serve; he wants your explanation."

"Your Highness," I try to explain, "Bashir Abboud is the son of a close friend. His service with me is voluntary and was not meant to be a combat position. We had expected no more than a shakedown flight. You probably know that since our species is so short-lived, we have chosen to allow our youth the choices of their future."

The Emperor says something and I at least catch the name "Klaahk" within his question. "His Majesty asks if you have not studied the Precepts of Klaahk. He advises that wasting such talent is foolish."

Wow, how do I tell an Emperor in his own house that he is barking up the wrong tree? Maybe by appealing to my low position? "Please, your Highness, I do not presume to tell our leaders how to govern our people. I have not been asked my opinion of how we raise our youth and since I have never been a father I expect to never have the right to participate in such a decision."

This answer seems to trouble Emperor Kray, but he changes the subject. Toth Anddag speaks for him, "Bashir Abboud, what do you think of His Majesty's terrace?"

"This is SO COOL!" Bashir blurts out, spinning around and appearing to take in the millions of sights and smells all at once.

The old Emperor laughs. "His Majesty says he has not seen such enthusiasm here since eldest of his fourth nesting first came here at three."

"Um, Sorry, sir."

That answer draws a confused question, "Why is Bashir Abboud sorry?"

"This place should be enjoyed... shouldn't it?"

Again, the Emperor finds laughter in the teenager's forthrightness.

"His Majesty says that if you were a Xi'An, he would assign you to court so that you could inspire such excitement more often."

In my ear, Kree'Gna whispers, "I don't understand where this is going, but at least for the moment, Mai Ee'shu seems to have been left out."

"What about the appeal?"

"I don't advise rushing His Majesty. He seems quite fascinated by Bashir's innocence."

Emperor Kray notices our conversation and I'm not at all sure his look my way is approving.

"His Majesty asks Bashir Abboud if he believes Shawn Ryan is honorable and honest."

My heart seems to skip a beat and in slow motion I see my dark haired copilot look my way before answering, "Sir, er... your Highness, sir, Captain Ryan is honest even when I think he doesn't want to be. He's a good adult, even if he doesn't understand what it's like to be a teenager these days."

After the translation, the Emperor's eyes wander back to me. "His Majesty asks if you have anything to share with him?"

"Yes, Your Highness. A message from my Imperator."

…..

"Is that all?" Toth Anddag asks at Emperor Kray's insistence. All eyes are on me... the intensity of their stares is like static crawling on my skin.

I've said everything... except that I don't want to add the last bit that Imperator Costigan told me to say. Anyone they catch can be summarily executed, the UEE won't question it? How can I say that?

His Majesty growls a question and Kree'Gna repeats what the Seer asked, though with a bit more urgency, "Is that all, Shawn Ryan?"

Mai Ee'shu is suddenly on her feet, a torrent of fluent Xi'An verbiage flowing towards her father.

"No," I say, so softly that I hope they miss it.

Emperor Kray, however, has heard my answer and raises his hand emphatically towards his daughter. She falls silent and again all eyes turn to me.

I can't bring myself to say it.

Toth Anddag wonders aloud, "Is it so terrible? He threatens war?"

His Highness is frustrated and shouts something in as angry a tone as I've heard yet.

"Shawn Ryan, you must obey your orders," Kree'Gna intones. "That is why you are here... what..."

My voice not much more than a whisper, I interrupt, "Imperator Costigan wishes the Emperor to consider any humans caught where they do not have permission to be to have our government plead guilty for them and he further indicates that it is the default position of the UEE that those guilty parties desire swift execution of justice."

Kree'Gna, standing beside me, has heard it all well enough to translate.

Emperor Kray settles and Mai Ee'shu returns to her seat.

The unexpected voice intruding on the silence is Bashir's, "How could he do that?"

I look his way, "To the powerful, everyone is guilty, especially little people."

Several of the Xi'An around me grumble as the old Seer translates this.

The Emperor speaks and Kree'Gna translates, "You do not approve of your Imperator's offer?"

Looking back at the most powerful of this all too alien race, I respectfully reply, "In all honesty, your Majesty, no, I don't."

His gaze is intense and, unless I miss the mark, very disapproving. Mai Ee'shu whispers something and His Highness' next question is shorter, "Are you named?"

I know his meaning: am I from a rich or noble family? I'm not, but I draw myself up to my full stature and face him proudly, "I am Shawn Ryan, Son of Seamus, Son of Tadhg, Child of the Last Wild Geese. I am human and I am unashamed."

My response seems to surprise Kree'Gna and he hesitates to translate it. Mai Ee'shu has no such compunctions, gloating as my words in her speech seem to mock my tone.

The Emperor nods and dismissively says, "Ith nog. Tash nē taahg'naagch. (I see. Continue (telling) of your dishonor)."

They are all looking at me... except the Emperor; he is looking at Kree'Gna, waiting for him to translate.

Finally, Kree'Gna quietly says, "Shawn Ryan, His Majesty says..."

I angrily cut him off under my breath, "I know what His Majesty said. Would you ask if we may go now?"

"No, Shawn Ryan. You do not ask First Above All Hatched if you may leave. You must wait until dismissed."

"He has the Imperator's message. What need is there for me to stand here and be insulted?"

"Because you may not dismiss yourself, Shawn."

"If Bashir were not here..."

Toth Anddag interrupts, "His Majesty has asked you to continue, Shawn Ryan."

Irritation in my voice, I respond clearly, "That is not exactly what he said, is it, Toth Anddag?"

Now the Seer is irritated too, "What exactly do you mean by that, An'shan?"

"I understand that 'tash' means 'continue, but I also know that 'taahg'naagch' has to do with dishonor. You did not mention that."

Mai Ee'shu says something to her father and he nods. Beside me, Kree'Gna says quietly, "Don't let them provoke you, Shawn Ryan. Please."

I look into his pleading eyes, but I shake my head and glare back at Seer Anddag. In an obvious sign of disrespect, I use only his title, "Seer, would you be so kind as to inform the First Above All Hatched Emperor Kray that I have served both my duty to the Imperator and my own honor with honesty. Since my service and dignity is questioned, I will now be silent until dismissed."

His eyes grow large, he understands my protest, but I suspect His Majesty isn't used to being told such things. Mai Ee'shu, however, has translated for him and the Emperor's angry tone carries. Kree'Gna bows low and motions for the two of us to follow.

The next order takes me by surprise; Toth clearly says, "Bashir Abboud, you will remain behind."

I look angrily over at the lad and see something flare in his eyes that I had not anticipated. "Your Highness, how can you make me a prisoner? I belong with Captain Ryan."

From her place opposite the dais, Mai Ee'shu hisses, "Silence, He has order..."

Bashir interrupts passionately, "Mr. Ryan told me that your people were all about honor. How is it honorable to do this?"

I try to get his attention, "Bashir!"

"What?"

"Let it go. I'm not leaving without you."

"And I'm leaving with you. I don't belong here," he is almost sobbing with rage as he points accusingly at Mai Ee'shu, "She made us come, made you bring me! It's her fault!"

Naked anger flashes across Mai Ee'shu's face and she uncharacteristically screams at Bashir something I can not translate. Emperor Kray and several of those around us look her way, shocked at the outburst.

I think for a moment that the Emperor will rebuke his daughter, but it isn't to be. He looks back towards Bashir and Toth Anddag and gives an order.

The old Seer bows and informs the teen, "His Majesty did not mean to make a prisoner of you, Bashir Abboud. Your request to leave with your Captain is accepted, you are also dismissed. The Appeal hearing is set for tomorrow at high sun. You will both appear before the Emperor's High Council and hear His judgment."

…..

The staircase is long and the sun hot.

"Hoods up," Kree'Gna orders before we are halfway down. This time, though, having them over our heads does nothing to hide the world below us.

Before us spreads a large park with hundreds or maybe thousands of individuals going about their business. There are some who seem to be sitting in the sunshine, perhaps to rest or maybe even just soaking in the sun like reptiles and birds do on many planets. No one looks our way, even though we are obvious as we move down the stone pavements to the pathways below.

I hear what must be a ship pass not too far overhead, and realize that it is the first I've hear in quite a while.

I let my eyes stray to the edge of my vision, perhaps five or more kilometers out, and notice that there is a very high wall of stone or brick, mostly of a green hue with silver and gold accents. Beyond that I can see the tops of Xi'An habitats, their somewhat organic shapes like a tapestry of mostly emerald-hued ant-hills reaching to the horizon.

…..

"What happened up there?" Bashir asks from behind me over the crunch, crunch of our boots on gravel.

Before I can respond, Kree'Gna hisses, "Silence. You must be silent until we are in your quarters."

"Okay." Bashir replies under his breath and my mind's eye sees him rolling his eyes as clearly as if he were standing in front of me.

…..

Kree'Gna closes the door and I see him sag heavily onto a nearby stone bench.

"My friend, are you okay?" I ask with concern.

He looks up, drained and haggard, "No, Shawn Ryan."

"What's wrong?" I ask, moving closer to assist.

"May I be honest with you, Shawn Ryan?"

"Please do, Kree'Gna."

"Your temper almost got us killed; it may still cost you your life. Why did you try to provoke them? Don't you remember that you still have to appear before His Majesty for your appeal?"

"Well... um... yeah, I do now."

"Would you confront your Imperator with such disregard for your own safety?"

"I already have."

"Oh. Perhaps I assumed too much about how your nonamed classes relate to those above them."

"I'm not a noname," I insist, even getting a bit incensed with my friend.

"Do not be angry with me, Shawn Ryan. You know enough about us to understand this. Without the Civil Service, I would only have the caste I worked within." He is reminding me, as subtly as possible that he too is a noname in this culture.

"You didn't accept that, though. You made something of yourself."

"Before the First Above All Hatched, I am as nothing. Did you not see that?"

"Yeah, I did," I admit. "Kinda pissed me off, too."

"Why was he going to make me stay?" Bashir interrupts insistently. "I felt like he was making me a hostage."

"I am not Emperor," Kree'Gna says quietly.

That satisfies the teen less than what I think the real answer is and he says so, "Yeah, but why?"

Kree'Gna sighs and looks my way, "Are all human nestlings like this?"

Smiling, I shrug, "Well, you remember exactly how many children I have, right?"

"None," he exhales.

"And you are asking me to explain a teenager?"

He chuckles, "Perhaps I should have called for one of mine to keep this one busy."

"You have children... er... nestlings?"

Kree'Gna's head tilts as if he sees me in a new light. "Yes, Shawn Ryan. I have had one nest with Jaesha'Gna. There are four nestlings, all nearing age of service. Eēgra, a male, is my eldest."

I grin widely, "Why you wily old lizard, how come you never told me?"

He seems a bit confused by the question, "Because you have never asked."