CHAPTER 9
699 Words
“Especially with a risky experimental procedure?” I asked. Yes, they were advanced, but they never did this before.
“Yes, you may die,” said Melk.
“Not all fights are on the battlefield.” Trevah spoke, “There’s a phrase in your language... ‘Control the narrative’.”
“Yeah, what of it?”
“There is the opportunity to bring your planet into what you called a Golden Age. The Volardi would be civil to a new planet. If this is successful, you could... would ‘entice’ them to be great friends.” He opened his mouth to say something and his gaze darted to Melk.
“Security Shield,” said Melk amid a slight crackle in the air.
“We can speak freely now.”
“Thank you,” Trevah breathed out slow.
“We are an honorable people. If the procedure is successful, talk to your people about the kindness. Only do so if you believe it’s true. Speak until your experiences reached the furthest edge of our empire. It’s not my place, but certain... people would be beholden if only from embarrassment. If you were to speak about your experiences in a positive manner, the ...”
He paused as if saying the word cost him effort.
“ Emperor would be honor bound to repay the debt nor would he want contrasting information. Think about it. Earth re-populates our race and adds to our strength. Remember what I said about the Emperor granting a boon to Klar? That’s one person. Your whole planet would be granted one.”
He grinned wide. “Your world is filled with created works about your people going into the stars and being welcomed. You can make that happen. We would raise you up. All you have to do is say Yes.”
I gazed up into the eyes of two men… and by proxy to a race that awaited my answer.
“No or Yes” were the only answers. Yet, I asked something else.
“Can I see my planet?”
“Do it yourself,” said Melk with a smile.
I looked around for buttons. “So, what makes the computer show me?”
The stone wall ‘melted’ and rippled until a wall sized window appeared or maybe a monitor. Some of the details from the implant were still fuzzy. Heh.
Just like on the show. I looked down toward Australia, India, and Russia. It was dark in my country, but the entire planet was my home.
I thought the optimistic stories wouldn’t happen but now, there was a chance. It was risky, but I had to trust a race I barely knew. The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on me. I was ready to throw away my life and now, I was the one that had to take care of them all. I knew they wouldn’t stop with me if I refused, but maybe I was the best.
With my background, I had a flexible mind and I’ve always wanted to live among the stars.
But you’ll be pregnant.
My shoulders rose, and I wondered if that would be so bad. Half of the population has that ability and they seem to do fine. I had a few issues with being gay. Most of it was with how people treated me. I figured I could always adopt or maybe hire a surrogate.
A child between two men was just so far-fetched I never considered it. What would be the logical choice? My eyes stared to Earth. I couldn’t count how many wars or ‘conflicts’ were going on. Our water was polluted, animals disappeared at an alarming rate. Millions lived in poverty. Others sick with no hope in sight.
Yes, there would be some that wouldn’t accept it but in one action, a gay man could save the world… and a star spanning empire. Maybe that would be enough to kill the hate.
The Volardi talked about saving their people,but I had my own as well. I hope this is right. I bit my lip and smiled. “Let’s change the world.” Both men smiled. “Worlds…”
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- Writer
