Chapter 15 - Minatory Gazes
[...with great honor...we the Anglerists...welcome all of you to our people...as you have...to ours] one of the speakers spoke.
Despite not able to articulate to form words, the high-tech translator was able to. Instead of a robotic tone, the loudspeakers portrayed the individual as a methodical male. Lifting his fin arms to all of them, he gave a bow. Enticing an applause, human and alien species alike were clapping their hands together. Seeing the fishlike species stand to gaze at the audience, his aquatic face expressed a smile. It was as if he felt blessed and touched by their reception from his words.
"I must say," Sue began clapping her hands softly. Looking at Howard, he looked at her while copying her action.
"I didn't realize that all the alien speakers were...so motivational!"
"I agree. Never thought a fish face being could out due our local politicians," he remarked with a smirk.
"Heh heh," Robert chuckled a little while clapping as well. "I will say that whenever we have an exchange student speak, most of the students want to listen to them. Almost like living in a fantasy or sci-fi world scene or something."
'Are...all these species,' Fiona pondered while mimicking what everyone was doing. '...really that friendly?'
'They couldn't be,' she continued.
Looking at Aerialus, she was clapping but looked tense. Her eyes would look forward then dart to her right. Following her line of sight, there seemed to be small frost on the nearby window. Wondering why, the sound of people putting their hands together began dying down. Looking back forward, the first human speaker exchanged positions with the alien that just spoke.
"Thank you for that speech Sir Gibleon," the human male stated with a smile. Gesturing to the Anglerist, the fish like humanoid gave a bow with his head. Turning back to the crowd, the announcer pulled out a pamphlet from his inner coat pocket.
"With the conclusion of all our guest speakers, the main course of this event has arrived. To intermingle and interact. Get to know one another. Find out our differences. Our commonalities," he stated while opening both arms out towards the audience sitting. "We will continue to provide refreshments, food, music, and station various kiosks that our friends from outside our world have brought to share. Broaden your horizon to see what truly is beyond our Earth and galaxy. If anyone has any questions, staffers are around the ball room to answer and assist. Please enjoy yourselves everyone!"
Another round of applause came as the disc jockey began to slowly increase the volume of music in the background. As if the end of a movie with the lights coming on in the lobby, people slowly began to stand up. From where the family was sitting, they could see human participants take the initiative to talk to the aliens. Eventually, some outer-spacers would go to another race and introduce themselves. Both Baklavaians witnessing this felt it was surreal. With a volume of voices being heard and echoing in the space place, it seemed like controlled chaos.
"This reminds me of those blind date night parties way back when," Sue mentioned with a small smile.
"Mmm-hmm," Howard agreed with a small head nod. Crossing his arms back over his chest, he stayed seated with a neutral look on his face.
"Used to be the thing to do for my folks."
"Is this more common now at school honey?" the older woman asked turning to her son. Seeing him look down in thought, he moved his head back straight and shrug his shoulders.
"Might be...might not. Haven't seen flyers at school often that promote intergalactic space parties or social events."
"Students still wary of the aliens?" the father said while turning to look at him. "I know they have been here for a few years or so...but has all types been accepted?"
"...well..." Robert began then looked at both Fiona and Aerialus. Gesturing to them made both younger women blink.
"Depending on how humanish they look will dictate how open people are willing to intermingle."
"As for ones that look more...monstrous...no," he informed and gestured with his head in a direction.
Seeing the group at the table just glance over to where he pointed, there was a group of tentacle beings. No arms, no legs, and no body. A tightly knit form of tentacles to resemble a humanoid frame. With a cyclops eye, they were conversing despite no mouth movements. Watching one lose a little bit of control of its form, it slithered in place erratically for a second before conforming back to its held shape.
"..." everyone at the table stared for a little. Slowly looking back at the center of the table, Robert could see the startled look on everyone's faces. Wanting to drive an aspect given the lack of exposure from who was at the table, he cleared his throat.
"I know...that this type of event is...well...very specialized," he began. Seeing all look at him, people from neighboring tables that were alien glanced over as well. Feeling put on the spot, he pushed aside the small stage fright that formed.
"Most of the humans here...would be labeled as..." the young man said and scratched the back of his head. "Sympathizers...though not a great word, it does explain their position of wanting to include individuals outside of our planet. At the same time, those visiting that are extraterrestrials...would be labeled as the same."
"...aliens...sympathetic to...humans?" Fiona asked in a confused voice.
"Well...yeah. You've seen the various beings here. Some have superiority in strength. Advancer technology. Robust biodiversity to survive various environments. If they are willing to form a connection with us on a personal level...I would say that is sympathetic. Otherwise, why would they want to?"
"..." both Baklavaians stared at him. Trying to apply what the young man just stated, it gave a simple reason to everyone's action and purpose at this event. On the other hand, this didn't apply to all beings. Both thought of the Primusians and the slave masters which immediately pointed to a flaw in that thought process.
"Rather optimistic of you son," Howard chimed still crossing his arms over his chest.
"Rather stay positive of what people's intentions are dad."
"Oh Howard. Stop raining on Robert's speech. He's more of the expert of the family in talking to our visitors from other worlds," Sue commented. Seeing that his face didn't change, he gave a mild half frown.
"That's why I said optimistic dear...and not gullible."
"..." Fiona and Aerialus didn't react to his statement. However, they internally nodded their heads agreeing. Seeing the mother about to open her mouth, her eyes darted to somewhere behind them. Seeing a level of anxiety build up in her face to the point of being spooked, someone spoke.
"...hello..." a soft yet very recognizable voice greeted.
"...!?" the two Baklavaians immediately felt their skin flare and tingle. Immediately frightened, they remained still from feeling an odd sense of coldness. Howard immediately turned and uncrossed his arms while Robert tensed up.
"Please forgive my sudden...appearance," the man apologized.
"...g-good heavens Captain..." Sue exclaimed with a shocked voice. Slowly, Fiona and Aerialus turned their heads to look behind them. Feeling their eyes widen, it was Olton. Despite feeling a different aura, his sudden materialization stroke fear in the slaves.
"You scared the lights out of me!"
"I do apologize madam," the Captain began. Walking away from the Baklavaians a little and standing more at an open space between Aerialus and Robert, his footsteps were muffled.
"My...renedezous with the humans in...local government were...complex," he added while slowly turning his head towards the center of the table. "It seems...Primusian culture is not...truly appreciated on your planet."
"..." the older male human cleared his throat a little. "...which part of your culture...did the representatives not like?"
"Well..." the commander spoke with an even tone. Slowly looking away, he began to pace gradually around their table.
"...Primusians...have always done business...through slave trading."
"...and yet...your representatives...made it a point to say...they have laws against...enslavement."
"...it causes more...complications...than what is desirable..." he emphasized making back to his slaves.
Stopping behind them, the family could see the tension between the two women. Though both were wearing stoic faces while gazing forward, their lips were quivering a little. Seeing him turn to face the center of their table, he did not have an expression of frustration or anger. Instead, it looked devoid of emotion. Even his eyes seemed dull as if their was no life in them compared to earlier.
"Well...that is our culture," Howard carefully stated putting his hands on his thighs. "We don't believe in slavery."
"...I understand...human history did have...slavery," Olton informed and gave a slight smile. To those who saw it, it did not change the tense atmosphere the leading Primusian was creating. It only seemed to add to it.
"...then over time...influential figures began to change the public's mindset..." he continued. Pacing again, he went in the same direction as before.
"I have nothing...against how one society changes ways...it is in...human nature...yes?"
"C-Captain," Sue spoke. Seeing the commander stop in mid step, his head slowly turned toward her. However, his eyes hadn't turned. After a second delay, the pair moved to focus on her.
"...yes...Mrs...Sue?"
"..." the older woman swallowed and blinked out of nervousness. "W-Would you like to...sit with us?"
"...oh...does my pacing...disturb everyone?" he asked without moving.
'...this...' Aerialus thought feeling her pulse rising. Cold sweat began to form on her back that made her feel more scared.
'...I've seen him...angry...but this is...frightening.'
'That meeting must have gone bad,' Fiona mused in her head. Looking at him with the corner of her eyes, a chill went down her spine seeing him stare the older woman down.
'I...don't know what he is thinking...this isn't like him.'
"It is making everyone here edgy captain," Howard informed putting both elbows on the table. Bringing his hands together, he tried to impose as a collective person.
"Please stop scaring my wife."
"..." Olton didn't blink. Turning his head slowly to the older man, he gave a soft chuckle.
"..." everyone felt small hairs on their body stand on end. The mild laughter did not match the stoic and void expression on his face. It added a layer of suspense and anxiety from not knowing what he would do or what he was thinking.
"I apologize...again...my mind is preoccupied to which my...spatial awareness and manners...are not focused," he offered. Moving and standing normally, he gave a small head nod. Watching him extend out his left hand, it was directed at one of the Baklavaians.
"I will...deliver my message to my...two slaves...and then depart," the Captain stated then moved his head towards Aerialus.
"Aerialus...accompany me...to the...juice bar," he demanded with an even tone. Before Robert or Howard could voice something, the young humanoid alien opened her mouth.
"...y-yes sir," she complied nervously.
Standing up, she walked towards him. Slowly down to be near him, he still had his arm extended out. Seeing him stare at her, there were two decorative pendants attached on the collar bone area. Her eyes only glanced at them for a second before stiffening from seeing him not moving or even breathing. Curling her lips inward and pressing down, she slowly placed her right hand on his left palm. Feeling it close on her to hold, it was not vicious or firm.
"If you'll...excuse us for now...I will return to... deliver my message to Fiona," he stated. Turning and walking forward, Aerialus walked quickly to get in step with him.
"..." everyone watched the two head towards the buffet tables that were closer to the opposite corner of the ballroom area. When they were halfway there, everyone was still watching them in silence. One of them turned their head to stare at the oldest person.
"...Howard...what...what happened to him?" Sue asked in a hushed, but audible voice.
"...I don't know..." he replied. Turning to the center of the table, he brought one of his hands to his mouth and began rubbing it.
"That can't be the same guy as before," Robert commented after a heavy sigh. "He had a totally different vibe."
'As much as they claim that isn't the same person...it is,' the slave scout thought to herself.
Feeling herself tense still, apprehension came from wondering what message the slave master was going to give. Knowing that the only time that the Primusian leader acts this way was when he was very mad, he seemed more imposing than before. Flashbacks of witnessing fellow Baklavaian slaves be punished when the Captain was this way, she never saw them again. Shivering from the memories, she kept her eyes tracing the two as they continued towards the tables.
'Strange that these humans are willing to open their arms to species that don't even look like them,' the Primusian scout contemplated after the last alien speaker spoke.
Seeing that the Baklavaians were only sitting and watching the event, he didn't feel the need to hawk them down. Hearing the round of applause and the human announcer come back on the stage, he glanced back at his two targets. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, he turned his attention back to the stage. Listening to what the next event would be, he raised his brows and frowned. The free time to intermingle was foul to him.
'I'm starting to see why the leaders and council view humans as meat laborers...hiding weakness by being open to all,' he said in his head and looked down at the lead coordinator.
Putting his hand into his pocket and grabbing his comms device, he pulled it out. Opening it up and looking at the screen, there was no new notification. Closing it and putting it back in his pocket, he stared at the floor below. Crossing his arms over his chest, he observed the slow movements of everyone. About half of the goers stood up and began to migrate to their neighboring tables. Mildly surprise, aliens were open to talk to other races and to humans. The scene reminded him of one high class party he went to where everyone had to act with royal manners and procedure.
"...this makes me puke..." the scout muttered to himself.
Glancing back to the table, he froze and stared. Blinking from who was near the table, the Primusian quickly got out his mobile unit again. Looking at it and seeing it was still on standby, he blinked. Confused, he moved his gaze back at the lone standing individual at the target table. Seeing their shocked reactions, nearby party members were staring at them as well.
"When did he...get there?" he whipsered to himself.
"Should I call?" the scout wondered.
Looking back at his phone, a part of him said yes and no. Narrowing his eyes, he turned his view back at the slave master. Getting out small binoculars, he saw a closer view. Seeing that it was Olton, he began to pace around the table slowly. Looking more like a predator circling its prey, the Primusian operative felt better seeing this act.
Just as he smirked, the Captain had rounded the table to be on the other side. Though he was facing forward, his eyes panned to the direction of where the scout was. Not seeing the act as anything serious and waited, the leader continued to round the corner. Observing the people, the humans were getting very uncomfortable with the commander towering over them. Feeling a bigger smirk on his face, he guessed there was a command for one of the slaves to accompany Olton was seen.
"I don't see why we just can't overtake this planet and enslave all these weak species. They are no different in strength to our lessers," he muttered watching the two. Suddenly, his comms device was sounding quietly. Breaking away from observing and watching the two in the distance, he put the unit to his ear.
"Yes?"
[You still have visual of the targets?] the older man from before spoke. How his tone sounded seemed as if he was in a different location and spacious.
"I still have visual. Captain Olton is escorting one of them."
[Hmm...there is a c#####hange of plans] the person stated followed by mild static as if the signal was getting interference. [Our other scout is on the floor below and will take over...return back to your scouting placement in the high trees]
"Aye aye," the scout stated. Hearing the line go dead, he pulled the device away from his ear. Closing it and putting the unit in his pocket, he headed towards a more discreet staircase on the second floor. Feeling better to not have to continue watching this social event, he planned to use his free time in the trees to sleep.
"..." Aerialus walked stiffly with her hand in Olton's.
It seemed to be warm and cold at the same time. However, his blank face with lifeless eyes kept her from questioning further. While walking passed all other different races and species, all of them took a quick glance at them. Each one of them seemed to pause before going back to what they were doing before. It was as if the Captain's presence was enough to halt them.
"...Aerialus..." he spoke softly. Despite being low in volume, it somehow cut through her thought process cleanly. Tensing up more, she glanced at him and felt her eyes widen. His dead eyes were looking at her. No emotion emitted from him. It felt so intense that she began to shake.
"...please...you are causing...a scene amongst...all the guests...here."
"S-S-Sorry master," she replied with a small voice and lowering her head.
"...I...didn't...say...lower...your head..." the Captain spoke as if he leaned closer to her. Seeing her lift her head and glance quickly at him again, his head was still in the same position.
"S-S-Sorry."
"...we are here..." Olton mentioned.
Approaching the beverage table, there was a large array of liquids displayed on the table. Though most of them were human drinks, others were from other what alien's brought to share. Some were harmless to drink while others were hazardous and lethal. Letting go of her hand, he began to look at each punch bowl with a brief pause before looking at another. Seeing him gaze at one, his body turned a little towards her. However, his head remained staring at the yellow-orange liquid.
"Are you...thirsty Aerialus?"
"...I-I'm...fine at the m-moment sir," she answered. Unconsciously, she was rubbing her hand with the other out of nervousness. Seeing him not respond, his body shifted back to the direction he was looking. Getting a small glass, he ladled himself of the bright colored drink. Putting it down, he slowly turned to her.
"Tell me...how you feel," he stated taking a small sip. Swallowing, his eyes slowly looked up to stare at her.
"...s-sir?" the Baklavaian asked and stopped rubbing her hands. Seeing him lift his free hand, he was gesturing to what was out on the floor. However, he didn't break eye contact with her.
"This...social event...how does it...make you feel?"
"..." she responded with a blink. Forcing herself to break eye contact, she took a small glance around. Seeing a good portion of people and aliens communicating and interacting, the remembrance of what the speakers said came to mind. Taking a slow deep breath in and out, she turned back to the Captain. Being distracted by the pendants again, her eyes shifted quickly watching his gestured arm come down to his side.
"...though this event...is interesting sir...it...feels conflicting at the same time."
"What makes you...say that?"
"Given my...status sir...what was said is only a facade."
"...yes...that it is..." Olton agreed and took another sip. "...did the speakers...give you motivation...a purpose?"
"N-no sir."
"..." he responded with a lethargic blink. "...no? Are you...jesting me slave?"
"I'm...I'm n-not sir," she reacted with surprise.
"You were...clapping and..." the commander began with a grave voice. Placing the glass down on the table, he had not moved and continued his stare down.
"...smiling...to almost all the speakers...regarding connection...communication...freedom...and choices."
"..." Aerialus felt her lips quiver a little but remained standing straight.
"The truth from you...Aerialus...is you have tasted...and now desire...this reality amongst these...sentient bipedal beings."
"Do you have motivation and willpower to leave?" he emphasized while narrowing his eyes at her.
'I have to restrain myself from reacting. Focusing only on answering,' she quickly told herself while trying to keep her fear down. Trying to find her voice, she was cut off from seeing a stern look from the commander.
"...let...me...warn...you...slave..." the Captain spoke gravely and took a step closer. Despite his low volume, his tone still pierced through the air as if he was speaking in front of her ears. Seeing him still standing and staring at the same spot, his presence seemed to magnify. Her willpower was not strong enough to prevent her from fidgeting.
"...do not...lie to me..."
"..." Aerialus answered with a tense head nod and a look of becoming a little sick.
"...once you have...obtained a will...this conversation shall occur...again."
"...yes...sir."
"Go to your host family...and inform the other slave...to come here," the Primusian leader ordered then turned back to the table.
"Y-Yes sir," she responded. Giving him a mild head nod, she turned around.
Walking back to the family's table was complex. The sensation of being near a ticking time bomb was dissipating. The further she got away, the more relief that she felt. The atmosphere seemed lighter and not thick. No heavy weights were being pressed on her mind. Her chest and stomach knots were uncoiling themselves allowing her to breath and swallow. Never looking back from not knowing if she was being watched, her sights were only on the other Baklavaian.
'I just need...to keep calm...and relay his order,' Aerialus repeated in her head. Ignoring the aspect that the people she was with were all staring at her, she controlled her face. Mentally shouting at herself to push down the emotional response, she was able to walk straight. Reaching the table, Howard stood up.
"...I'm..." the young woman said and raised her hand. "...fine...I'm fine."
"Dear...you don't look well," Sue mentioned with a concerned look on her face.
"..." the older man blinked. About to say something, he thought against it and slowly sat back in his chair.
"..." the Baklavaian blinked then walked around the table. Getting near her seat, she saw Fiona glancing at her. The two stared at each other before Aerialus spoke.
"He's asked me to tell you to go to him."
"..." the other slave blinked. Glancing at the Captain from the distance, he was still standing at the juice bar. Not facing them, he was looking at a pamphlet while holding his drink.
"...did the Captain...say anything?"
"...he gave me...my message."
"Which was?"
"...he...told me...not to lie," Aerialus answered carefully while sitting down. Putting her hands in her lap, she didn't look at anyone from the table. Ignoring the concern look on the other slave's face, she continued before anyone started asking questions.
"I think...he is impatient. I wouldn't make him wait long," she said then looked to her left at the other young woman.
'I'm starting to think I'm the one in trouble,' Fiona pondered anxiously. Nodding her head, she slowly stood up.
Ignoring the stares from nearby tables, she walked confidently to the commander. Once she was passed one or two tables, her ears perked up from hearing murmurs. Knowing it was the host family asking questions, all were centered around what the talk with the slave master was about. Getting closer to Olton, she began to feel self-conscious about her surroundings. Knowing it was probably the foreign and odd-looking onlookers, she kept her sights on the imposing commander of the Primusian slave ship. Stopping at the known distance, he hadn't turned to her.
"...you...are here..." the Captain began. Slowly turning his body left, it went slightly passed 90 degrees before stopping. With his head locked forward and everything below facing another direction, he looked like a contortionist. Slowly, his head turned to facing her. Seeing his stoic expression made her stiffen quickly.
"Y-Yes sir."
"Are you...thirsty Fiona?"
"..." she blinked and wondered if this was a test question. Deciding to play safe, she answered.
"I am not at the moment sir."
"Hmmm," Olton spoke without moving. The blank stare at her started to pull on her nerves. Lethargically, he rotated back to looking forward then glanced at the juice bowl he was in front of. Instead of the orange-colored drink, it was a lime green one with small red orbs floating on top. Seeing him use the soup spoon to pour a double shot size drink, he placed the ladle back in the bowl.
"The Primusian scout," he began. Lifting the glass to his face, he began to rotate it a little to move the liquid inside. The three red marble like objects began sink and emerge like being in a small tide.
"Did the individual...spot you?"
"..." the Baklavaian paused to think before replying. "...no sir."
"Oh?" he responded and turned to face her. Still no expression and emptiness in his eyes, he continued speaking while the glass was still in front of his face.
"...then why did you...relocate your post?"
'I didn't mention in a report about the odd encounter...I couldn't report about something that...I only could guess of what it was,' she reasoned with herself. At the same time, a knot was forming in her stomach.
"...I thought...I would get a better vantage point...from a different location sir."
"..." he stopped rotating the drink. Taking a small sip and swallowing, he placed the glass on the table. With hands at his side, he bored at the slave scout.
"...!?" the young woman tensed up from feeling a sudden shift in his aura. It felt intense enough to cause her to freeze in place.
"...a better...vantage point...you say," Olton began. Moving his hands behind him, he held onto them and took a step forward. Stopping to be in front of her, he looked down at her and gave a lethargic blink.
"...if I recall...your new position...is only facing Aerialus's host family's residence...when her bedroom window is on the opposite side of the house."
'...shit...shit shit shit!' Fiona swore in her mind with dread.
"T-That is right sir."
"...why have you not...reported that change?" the Captain questioned. The only thing that moved was his mouth. Everything else about him remained still as a statue.
"Are you...going against my direct...orders?"
"N-N-No...I-I..." the young woman stuttered and looked apprehensive. Looking down and trying to wrap her head around, her back began to itch from hearing his voice. It had a distinct ability to stop her train of thought.
"...let me...emphasize...slave..." the Primusian leader spoke with a grave voice. Seeing her fidget a little, she remained standing still.
"...do not...deceive me..."
"..." Fiona curled her lips inward and bit down. Forcing herself to look up, a cold chill ran down her spine from how he looked. Despite not appearing different, his atmosphere was more intimidating than she remembered.
"...Y-Yes...I am s-sorry master."
"...I will look passed this...error in judgement," he continued. Leaning back, he put his arms to his sides.
"You will return back to your previous...vantage position...until further notice," the man ordered in a less stern tone.
"Y-Yes sir."
"I will depart now...when the host family departs, go with them," he ordered then turned around. "...and...do not leave out...details on your next...report in."
"A-Aye aye sir," she answered with a small nod of her head. Not moving, she watched him walk away.
Slowly, the thick and dense air surrounding her began to decline. Not associating it with anything else other than his authority and the mood he was in, her body started to relax a little. Looking back at the table of beverages, her noticed how dry her mouth felt. Shaking her head and take a deep breath in and out, she turned to the left. Heading back to the table she came from, her footsteps were heavy. As if she was thawing from being frozen while talking to the Captain.
'Despite being ridiculed...and given a warning...he didn't do anything else,' Fiona pondered. Lost in thought, something stood out about him. Refocusing and looking at Aerialus, she still looked tense. Figuring it was a combination of her dealing with the Captain and the family asking many questions, one curious wonder came to her.
'Did...Aerialus noticed the pendants?...I don't remember seeing him wear accessories to these events before...or with that formal attire either,' she mulled in her mind.
