"Hm," Bricks finally said. "I never thought of it this way."
Xiung gave him an agreeing nod. "Yes, obviously more than just an optical enhancement to this round – no offence!" She winked at Jason and grinned at the other senators.
Bricks gave a barking laughter. "None taken," he assured.
"Still," De Souza said humourless, and the general smirking froze. "you entitle yourselves with a royal status. In what way exactly, can this be misinterpreted due to a translation error?"
"In none," Shalamorn responded with dignity, and De Souza folded her arms across her chest, leaning back into her seat. "Our noble background goes way back. I learned, you too still have aristocratic bloodlines, royal families in positions of great power?" This was clearly an assessment, not a question, so she just ran on. "Like them, we go back to tradition and heritage. And likewise, the true origin of the titling will, at some point in history, change into mystery and speculation. But I guess, your question is rather aiming for our political structure? If I am an absolute leader, based on so called blue blood?"
De Souza's corners of the mouth slightly crimped, her face an expression of challenge. Shalamorn's friendly smile didn't brittle even for one second. "No," the Queen spoke on. "I have a representative role, and of course, a policy making part. But decisions are not all mine to make. I am the head of a council, consisting of men and women of science and society. Some elected in democratic votes by people, some chosen by the council members. Also, and I guess, this will be the most important information for you," Shalamorn said and gave De Souza a friendly smile, "if the council doesn't approve of a decision of mine, they can overpower me."
"And how often does that happen?" De Souza asked, her voice sharp with scepticism.
"Oh, there she goes," Bricks interfered in a friendly tone, but grinning uncomfortable. "Didn't we tell you, to leave your badge at home, Katherina? Relax!" He patted on her arm. "This is no interrogation."
De Souza seemed to like him, for she didn't flinch and her features softened a bit. "You're right, Billy. But maybe it should be one," she said relentless, still looking at Shalamorn. "Don't get me wrong. I have no intention to offend you," De Souza went on. "And if I do, please accept my apologies. But this situation is a mess. On this planet, on every continent, in every nation, … around every corner, we have already people struggling with the problems of their everyday life, let alone with issues of bigger contexts. We still have several civil wars going on, and children dying from poverty and starvation. The small success in environmental protection we had in the last few years was erased overnight when one of your people released the Red Virus. You told us, this had been a single act of terrorism, committed by a criminal, who does not have the support of your people anymore, and I believe you. But before we can start discussing your stay on Earth, I have to make sure, that we," – she let her pointing finger swing back and forth between Shalamorn and herself, – "are on common ground here."
Shalamorn had turned serious. "By common ground, you mean a common bundle of values, I understand?" she followed up with De Souza's speech. "A shared code of ethics?"
De Souza nodded and Shalamorn smiled again. "Your concern for your people bestows honour upon you, Senator. And I appreciate your honesty." Shalamorn emphasised her words with an implied bow with her head. "I can assure you, I don't want to cause any more damage to that, already done. Malakat has been held accountable for his crimes and can no longer bring harm to both our planets. All, I wish for now is, to bring our people together. To make a new beginning, so we can start healing. Clean up the mess, as you would say it."
De Souza still seemed sceptical. "You have a way with words. I give you that," she admitted. "But I reckon, Malakat has, too. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to convince people to support him in his plot. So, please forgive me, if I don't jump right away at the idea of sharing my home with people of the same species, who tried to drown us."
"While words won't convince you, I have a practical suggestion: why don't we start tomorrow by developing a common code of ethical standards? Rules, not to be breached by either negotiation, or as a consequence of a decision?"
"I like the sound of that." De Souza nodded and looked at Rugeaux.
"I agree," Madame President said, and one by one, the senators gave a sign of approval, either nodding or smiling.
"Excellent idea," Ferrière exclaimed. "This way, we can get to know each other better, and at the same time, set the framework. I have to say, I was never so eager to start a political exchange like this before!"
Umbajali nodded. "Yes, it does sound exciting. I got to admit, I had no idea what to expect. I brought some reservations with me, – and not all of them are gone, of course, – but it seems, the situation is not that hopeless."
"Don't get too euphoric."
Putting a damper on things, you could really count on De Souza. Jason suppressed a smile.
"The rule book has not been written yet," the senator warned them, but instead of frozen smiles, she raised some new smirking.
Suddenly, Neri turned her head in direction on the balcony.
"Neri, you're alright?" Diane asked.
Shalamorn laughed and lay an arm around Neri. "My daughter has the most advanced capability in telepathy, compared to anyone I ever met, including me. The song of the pod of Orcas in the bay is just a distant echo in my head but for Neri, it must be as clear as our voices in this room."
Neri smiled shyly. "They sing hello to us."
Ferriére frowned. "You both can hear whales from twelve miles away?"
"Yes," Neri responded. "And it is beautiful."
"Impressing."
"Well, I guess," Jason concluded. "This is goodnight, then."
"Why?" Ferrière asked in a disappointing tone. "This is getting interesting again."
"Because someone," Jason grinned at Neri. "wants to go swimming with some new friends."
His heart skipped a beat when she broke into a happy, radiant smile.
"Don't worry, Senator," Shalamorn assured him, and got up. "We will find time, to answer all your questions to our physiology."
Words of Good-night were exchanged, some last sips taken, chairs rearranged.
"Jason."
Madame President touched his arm, and they watched the others leaving. When Diane and Neri turned around, he gestured them to go as well.
"You did a good job, today," Rugeaux said quietly. "As you know, gender issues have been a serious and exhausting debate for decades. Only a few years ago, we finally came to a satisfying conclusion for everyone. Rising this subject again would have brought a lot of unease to this room. After your explanation, I could feel the wave of relief, running through. Especially the men had had a lot of reservations before they came here. You made them all more comfortable around the Queen, and I thank you for that."
Jason shrugged. "I just spoke my mind. Somehow I felt obligated to clear this up."
"You made some impression," she nodded. "But for the future, you should maybe try to be more neutral with your opinions."
Jason frowned. "What do you mean?"
Rugeaux watched him seriously. "Implying, the Ocean People got their bad habits from us, is not a statement, you can lightly ignore. Some of the senators didn't like that."
Jason shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other. "Look," he responded. "I appreciate your advice, but with all due respect: I am here because of Neri. She is my main concern. I'm here to make sure, she is not harmed."
"You can not protect her forever."
"I can try!"
Rugeaux smiled, and Jason sighed when he realised how childish he had sounded. Of course, he couldn't protect her forever. But after failing her once, he had sworn to try even harder.
"Your commitment is admirable," Rugeaux said softly. "These negotiations will take years, and she will need you. But you will serve her best by making friends, not enemies among fellow politicians."
Jason shook his head. "I am no politician."
She gave him a thoughtful look. "You are now."