The Oort Federation: To the Stars

Oort Station Prime-Detention Facility

OORT STATION PRIME—DETENTION FACILITYIt took a while to convince the Asterians that they had two hours each day entirely free from monitoring. Communicating this to them in the first place was tough enough, but getting them to believe it was another matter.

Chairman Butler tasked Kimberly with looking in on the prisoners to see how they were being treated and discover what intel she might glean. Kimberly contacted Bunker, who arranged for them both to arrive at the same time through the same portal. When she stepped through the portal, the two Asterians rose to their feet, and Arcah addressed her in good English.

“I take you to be a female of your species. Sam showed me holoimages. You are much like our females, but, forgive me, not so pretty. You are too tall, your nose is too long, and your lips are too thick. I mean no offense. I am just describing what I see.” He slumped his body in a manner that Kimberly would come to understand was the Asterian equivalent of a human submissive gesture.

Kimberly smiled. “You are Masin Arcah. Your English is very good.” She turned to Gloalorn. “And you must be Adrhun Gloalorn. Have you learned our language as well?”

“I have, Miss.”

“I am Kimberly Deveraux. I am here representing the Chairman of the Oort Federation, John Butler. He asked me to tell you that he looks forward to meeting you both. He says we have much to learn from each other.”

Arcah stood quietly, pursing his lips, a gesture that Kimberly learned later was the Asterian equivalent of a human smile. Gloalorn approached her and opened his mouth without showing his teeth—an Asterian frown.

“Why?” Gloalorn asked. “We are your enemy.”

“Has any human hurt you?” Kimberly asked.

“No,” Gloalorn answered.

“Have you hurt any human?”

“I tried. I am a starfighter pilot. I attack and kill the enemy.”

“Did you make the decision to attack our system?”

“No, of course not. The Boss made that decision on the advice of his counselors.” He used a term for the head of the Frohlic planetary government that loosely translated to Boss.

“I understand,” Kimberly said. “You were doing your duty, as am I, as are Sam and Lars, as are we all.” Kimberly stepped back. “Now we are trying to find a way out of the mess we are in. We hope…I hope that you will assist.”

Arcah opened his eyes wide while keeping his mouth closed, a gesture Kimberly was to learn was the Asterian equivalent of a human nod.

She turned and stepped through the portal.

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1 See the First Oort Chronicle, Icicle: A Tensor Matrix