CHAPTER 8
801 Words
My little blond, geeky body wasn’t anything close to the warriors I saw before me.
There’s plenty of stereotypes about gay men. Some cruel, others arguably true, yet a few show us as weak and emotional. Despite my hate of pop-culture stereotypes, I felt the sting against my eye as I fought a tear. I used to wonder what First Contact with extraterrestrials would be like.
There were plenty of possibilities. Deep down, I had hoped it was like The Federation with all the races working in harmony. Whenever they found a new planet and invited them in, that world became a utopia.
It’s not like that. The world... galaxy’s a cruel place.
“Is that what you all do?” I asked.
“e*****e your own people just to make babies?”
Trevah smiled. “It’s complicated James.”
“For a stupid Earthing... or a stupid Omega?” Melk crossed his arms and stared down. I’ve heard of the expression looking into your soul, but I’ve never truly felt it until now.
Telepathy was always a common attribute with extraterrestrials, but I don’t think it was that. I think somebody that worked in Security, could look at somebody and size them up.
At least that’s what I presumed. “There is truth in what you saw,” said Melk.
“I... we were never one of those bigots. Others treated their Femeni poorly.” He stared off into the distance and got a feeling he was looking into the past.
“Perhaps that’s our penitence. As a race, we didn’t care for them. We’re a great race but we’ve made mistakes. We aren’t the Gloom, and our charter planets have relative autonomy. Yet, they’ve treated their carriers better. Our Femeni insured the race would survive.” His voice turned hollow. “They gave us additional lives and we couldn’t give them their own.”
Trevah blinked several times, and I saw one tear leave his soft purple eyes. “I can still smell him... when he died.”
“As can I...”
“We were kind,” said Melk. “Although we could have been better. Yensen could learn and go out without an escort. Although we did worry about one so small.” He breathed in deep.
“We failed them all.” Trevah looked away and wiped another tear while his skin reddened under his stubble.
I waited several seconds out of respect before I spoke. “I’m sorry for what happened. But... uh...”
“Why,” asked Trevah, “would you willingly agree to such a thing?” I nodded.
“Our Femeni… uh Omegas had no choice,” said Trevah. “They were born into their role. Some suggested that was a sign from the universe. They should be subjugated for their own good and for that of our people. We took them for granted and now our race is approaching extinction.” The side of his mouth curled into a soft sad grin.
“I... and I’m sure Omegas hoped that the day would come where they would be precious and well treated. They are. Nobody with any sense hurts them. Conversations about rights that would’ve been blasphemous are now generally accepted.” I looked up into Melk’s eyes and he nodded one.
“It’s true. You deserve to know.”
“It’s a new galaxy,” said Trevah. “It wouldn’t be like it was.”
“But it might?”
“Nothing is an absolute,” said Melk. “I go into battle never knowing what may happen. Yet I try. Can you not do the same? "
“You’re asking me to give up my whole way of life to be a mare to...”
Aliens?” asked Trevah. “Certainly, you’re not a bigot. Please tell me I’m not wrong about your people.”
“No,” I said quietly although I wondered if my answer would’ve been different if it was for Earth. “Your planet will change. Nothing will stop this.” said Trevah.
“My people will come and announce themselves. You’re a violent... and passionate people. You destroy others with no more rationale than skin color. Yet, your race will pull people from fires or devote your life to healing others. Most of our client races have a well enough life, but Earth could have a special standing with us. A planet that gives us not just Omegas and rebuilds our race but also additional scientists, artists and warriors.” He smirked.
“Even what you call television.”
“But... it sounds like we’re something to take. You’re asking me to help do that to my people.” I held out my hands. “Why should I sell them out?”
***
- Writer
