Wishing On A Star

Chapter 30

Chapter 30

Drolugi's…What's there to say that hasn't already been said. Sooner or later, everybody passes through Drolugi's. Space crews, navy personnel, techs, the curious. I have to admit, now that I wear my pilot's emblem on my flight vest, I walk a little taller in that place. I'm considered a "regular" here now, as are the other earth women, seasoned professionals.

As I entered the bar and lounge area I was immediately drawn to a loud argument taking place at the bar. As I got closer, I could see Morkai, Gitel, Nargra, and Jaerka loudly arguing with looked like a couple freighter crews. As I got closer, I could see that this was a real square off,

"I don't care what the fraq you heard, we were there, they crossed the line they paid the price!" snarled Morkai, to a freighter pilot

"Kith and Juko were set-up, and you bastards know it!" shouted back the pilot. "We knew them, we were their friends, we flew with them they would never have done anything like that, you damned "Groseagi" just didn't want them horning in on that sweet action you've got going with the Shai Alyt!"

By now security officers had arrived, and had begun to intervene. They forced the two groups apart so we retreated to the lounge and our "table."

Tempers were still running high, Morkai was still fuming, I'd never seen him this angry before so I asked Hanna what had happened.

"Apparently the execution of the Dekkens isn't sitting well with a lot of the transport and freighter people

They are pissed off, and blaming us, seems the Dekkens had a lot of friends."

"I suppose we have to start carrying sidearm's now?" I asked.

"Maybe? I sure hope not," replied Hanna.

Once Morkai had calmed down, we held an informal meeting, with Morkai presiding.

"It looks like we're going to have to watch our backs for awhile everybody, especially you ladies, I doubt they will try anything, but freighter crews seem to have their share of "hotheads." For you ladies, just so you know, freighter and transport crews as a rule don't get into situations where the prime directive affects them, so they're really not familiar with it's ramifications if they even know about it. We are, it's just a fact of life we have to deal with. Eventually this will all blow over, but until that time, everybody be alert"

Sitting down with Morkai Hanna and Nargra, I said,

"I've never seen you get that mad dear, they must have really gotten under your skin."

"A bunch of drunken freighter trash come barging in here making all sorts of wild accusations there's going to be trouble. Listen, I was afraid this was going to happen when they executed Kith and Juko, that bunch is real clannish just be careful if your by yourself all right."

Before I could answer, Drokai, Sally and the children came in taking offered seats at our table followed a few taq's later by Andy. Morkai hoisted Todd up on his lap and started talking to him, while I asked Andy,

"How's Emily?"

""Sleeping now, doctor Metana says she'll be up and around in about two una's, Albert's doing just fine."

I grinned, "Your really catching on to the language Andy," I chuckled.

"Er well sometimes back home I've inadvertently blurted out "Una or "shon when I meant to say day or hour, I always get strange looks."

"Listen Andy," I added, "Although I haven't spoken to anyone yet, as chair of the 19th century club, of which she is an honorary member, I'd like to throw a little party for her and your son, here at Drolugi's."

"That would be very nice," replied Andy, "But do you know when it would be possible to return home? We are liable to be missed if we're gone too long, on top of that weren't you telling me about the risks of very young children traveling in space."

"That's true Andy," I replied, "However, Dr. Metana told us about a special chamber you can place a baby or very small child in that will shield them from any gamma, cosmic and proton bursts, normally our ships are shielded from things like that, but babies are apparently more sensitive to such effects, it's why none of us women will be making the trip to earth next dorn for the harvest because of that very thing. We'll all be having children in the spring and it will still be too early to bring them. Talk to Morkai Andy, or for that matter Sandrick, he might be able to pull strings to get you two home early."

"I'll be talking to Mr. Alazon tomorrow; he want's to see me anyway, although I'm not sure what for."

I grinned and replied, "You'll probably get the harangue like we did about the Prime Directive, but I could just be guessing."

"Ambor told me the authorities executed those two, said it was a rather secretive trial," observed Andy.

"It was," I replied, "the government really means business with this Prime Directive we don't even dare make jokes about it."

"I want to ask Mr. Alazon if Emily and I could be permitted to visit Akdor once more before we return home, we found it rather romantic, besides Emily is positive there's just something she has to have from one of those shops, so you know how that goes."

"I'm quite sure it won't be a problem," I replied.

The next una I called the 19th century club together to plan a little party for Emily, nothing fancy mind you, jus t something to let her know she was one of us..

Andy was brought in for consultation, concerning some of the clothing and it's suitability for wear in 19th century America. The things we had planned to get his son included a couple stuffed toys consisting of a "Dropacheg" which bore a strong resemblance to a Brontosaurus from earth's past, as well as a stoat with it's long hair. As for items like sleeper gowns hooded towels, and body suits, Andy thought dark colors wouldn't attract so much attention.

"Emily's sisters are a bit too snoopy for my tastes but I don't dare say anything, they already suspect me of engaging in nefarious activities, but they can't prove it. Should they drop in unannounced, these things will be easier to conceal."

I bought Albert a grey 3-piece pant set while pointing out to Andy a company that manufactured "safety " cribs that prevented the baby from accidentally strangling or suffocating. They had a plain basic model that Andy purchased that he felt could be "dressed" up with lace and "frilly" things concealing it's true origin from family.

Andy's meeting with Sandrick was all I suspected.

"You were right cousin," said Andy, "Mr. Alazon reaffirmed the Prime Directive, explaining it, clarifying details, making sure I completely understood its ramifications. As to Emily and I returning home, he promised to look into the matter and get back with me. Oh, one other thing, he alluded to a forthcoming meeting of some sort which involves all of us."

"What do you mean by "All of us," I asked.

"Apparently the government will be requesting that all Kagorians currently on this planet must attend a planned meeting being planned sometime in the coming week, that's all I know."

Later, I told Morkai about the meeting, his reply being,

"Now what do they want, no doubt more silliness about the Prime Directive." We soon found out the meeting was in two days, requiring only those of us born on Kagor, regardless whether we were now citizens of Falth or not. Husbands were also welcome but not required. In the meantime, Emily was released from the hospital, joining us all at Drolugi's, where Albert James was cooed and fawned over to the delight of mother and child. Emily told me,

"Doctor Metana has asked me to return sometime after Albert is a year old, and he also told me that my son also holds dual citizenship, checking into the laws, he discovered that Albert James is also a citizen of Falth, and could choose to live here if he so chose, can you believe that? Simply because he was born here."

"I hope you don't have a problem obtaining him a birth certificate back in the states," I replied, that could cause him problems later on."

"Actually that might not be such a problem," replied Andy, that's why it's important to return as soon as we can."

The party we threw for Emily was well appreciated; even Hanna's friend Zarka showed up, Sally and the children, Andy took a picture of Jenny holding Albert James with Todd looking on. Andy got a bit misty eyed when he told me,

"These children must never forget that they have cousins living on two different worlds, I suspect at some point these trips will cease, and memories will fade, Albert James will be told at the appropriate time that he has cousins on Falth, Emily and I will make sure of that."

A couple una's later all of us headed to the government complex on the northwest side of Cluria, via the monorail system that linked all of Cluria. Sally helped Emily with the logistics of traveling with a baby, which involved carrying Albert James in a special basket that protected him from the sun as well as the hustle and bustle around him. Once at the complex we were directed to the public meeting area where we were met by several government officials. With the exception of Kemri Elcon, this was the first time any of us had come in close contact with anyone from the Falthian government, up to this point the government was just an abstract concept, we knew it was there, we obeyed it's laws we talked about it from time to time, but that was it, now we were about to be addressed by actual members of our government.

A man stepped up to the podium and announced.

"My name is Norak Jakus senior director of the Falthian foreign office; I want to thank you all for coming here. First off I realize that with the exception of two of you the rest of you are all Falthian citizens, but that you were born Kagorians and as a result, policies towards your home world concern you as well."

He then focused on Andy and his wife, referring to his notes, Mr. Jakus continued.

"My next comments are directed at you Mr. and Mrs. Bickford, I hope I got that right, anyway, recent events have decidedly stirred things up a bit, and again speaking for the Prime Minister and the entire Foreign office, I wish to offer my sincerest apologies for past incidents. I realize you two in no way represent you government, but that you are citizens of another planet one that is causing quite a stir around here. There's been a lot of interest lately in you Kagorians, due in no small part to those of you who have made the decision to become Falthian citizens forsaking your home world for whatever reason.

"Right now there's a lot of interest in opening diplomatic relations with your planet, many want to see a delegation travel to Kagor with the intention of negotiating some sort of trade, possibly even an attempt to offer technical assistance. Now I know this fly's in the face of the Prime Directive, and it's true, but in all the discussions and debates on the subject no one has thought to ask Kagorians what their thoughts on the idea were, that is why you're here."

This certainly caused a stir, everyone looking around and whispering among each other.

Mr. Jakus then spoke,

"How about you Mr. Bickford, any thoughts on this matter?"

Andy shifted around in his chair, looked around, then stood.

"Thank you Mr. Jakus, let me start by saying what a remarkable race and civilization you are and represent, Emily and I are completely awed by the beauty of your world, often times we step outside on a quiet summer's eve and stare up at the night sky when all the stars are out and wonder "Which one is Falth, what are they doing right now." As for opening talks or negotiations with our world, I cannot honestly say. First of all earth is made up of hundreds of different countries, some like the United States where we are from are quite large, some, like Great Britain are relatively small, yet head a large empire made up of several separate countries. Most are small and inconsequential. Were you to come to earth and land, say in New York or our capitol of Washington D.C. your delegation would immediately draw the ire of the British, not to mention France, and possibly even Germany. They would demand that you deal with them and perhaps feel slighted that you initially ignored them. I'm not a diplomat sir, just a man who reads the papers. Britain, France, Germany, Spain and Austria make up what we call Europe; they are separated from the United States by an ocean. We broke away from Britain many dorns ago, and as a result, they've always held us in disdain. We trade with them, a great deal of our citizens come from that country. As much as I wish to state otherwise, I'm not sure coming to our world, at least at this time would be a good idea, but perhaps others here feel differently."

Andy then sat down Mr. Jakus looked us over, then directed his next comments at Emily.

"Mrs. Bickford, would you care to share your thoughts with us?" I could see that this caught poor Emily right between the eyes, back home nobody ever asked women what they thought, however Emily slowly stood up.

Looking down at her husband, Emily directed her attention to Mr. Jakus.

"Sir I humbly thank you for offering me this chance to speak, back at home we women are denied this opportunity much less the opportunity to vote. Perhaps by making the rest of our world realize you are out here and your enlightened approach to things my world would begin to adopt a more liberal approach to things, the fact that women on Falth have the right to vote, to have a say in their lives, to become whatever it is they want to become."

All of us women simply stared at her, I had never suspected that Emily was a suffragist, she had never expressed any of these vies to any of us before, but I smiled, and thought to myself, "You go Emily you tell them." Looking at the other women, I could see nods of approval and smiles. Emily was on a roll now, as she continued.

"My husband speaks the truth concerning the behavior of Europe towards the United States, our world is racked with strife, on one hand I would welcome your visit in the hopes that your enlightenment would move us towards a better world. On the other, I fear it would only create more problems exacerbating an already troubled situation, creating more war and misery." Emily looked around then sat down. Surprisingly Ann of all people led off the clapping, until all of us women stood and clapped for Emily, who sat there in awe of what was happening. When everyone sat down I remained standing , Mr. Jakus appeared to have been just as surprised by Emily's words as well as the response pointed to me, "Mrs. Draaka, do you wish to add something?"

"Yes I would…At the risk of sounding selfish I agree with Emily. At one time or another, I have discussed this matter with other members of the 19th century club, we all feel pretty much the same, however if anyone here feels differently, please speak your mind. I'm afraid that because of the language barrier there is a very real possibility a mistake or misinterpretation could easily result in war or a tragic loss of life, I could see this thing happening very easily. However, I think that further study of we humans would be beneficial and hopefully lead to a peaceful encounter down the road at some future date. It's my understanding that Professor Narkoa at the university has been trying to organize visits to earth as purely research missions, perhaps this is the way to go. We've told you what we as Kagorians think, perhaps sending someone to earth to study us would provide you with more exacting information."

I saw a big grin appear on Mr. Jakus's face, and his head begin to nod,

"Precisely what we were thinking Mrs. Draaka. However, we weren't expecting the response from Mrs. Bickford or you to be what it was. Clearly, from the applause she received, the rest of you feel the same way. Professor Narkoa, as well as other academics have been pushing this approach as well. There is also a movement that is recommending a "listening post" as it were be set up on one of your outlying planets."

Looking around, Mr. Jakus searched for others who wished to voice their opinions. Nobody appeared willing to do so, so he finished with.

"Again I want to thank you all for coming, the information you have shared will be discussed, and a decision forthcoming, you will be informed of our decision." Before we started to leave, Mr. Jakus called me over, "Mrs. Draaka I wanted to let you know Professor Narkoa has mentioned you quite highly, also Mrs. Tergis as well, expect to hear from him shortly."' I returned to where Andy and Emily were talking to Ann and Pricilla, both of whom were praising her.

"I certainly would have never had the opportunity to stand up and speak like that at home," said Emily, but I stand by my convictions."

"You did all right dear," said Andy, "I'm very proud of you."

All Morkai and Nargra could say was that the fact that this meeting took place, especially with the likes of Mr. Jakus, the government must be in a real turmoil over what the Dekken's did.