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Chapter 4: Queen's ChambersSoft music filled the Queen’s dream when she suddenly realized that it was an alarm waking her to a new day. For a moment, she panicked and her heartbeat feverishly picked up pace, as if she overslept and missed an important meeting. Within seconds, she jumped out of bed and saw Mateo sound asleep on the other side. A wave of relief washed over her as Aleksandrina crawled back into the vast, royal bed, relaxing her body. She remembered that it was the middle of the week and the most eventful occurrence to be expected is news from her baby boy Vadim.
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She turned to her right side, picked up a small remote from the night stand and turned off the alarm. As soon as the music ceased, Aleksandrina decided to fall back asleep for another fifteen minutes. Since she was a little girl, she never wanted to get up early, always staying in bed until the last possible moment. Her grandmother and her parents had to wake her several times throughout the morning to get her up and ready for school, sometimes even removing her bed cover or leaving the lights on.
Alexandrina was drifting back to sleep when she felt Mateo move closer to her. He lowered his head and kissed her shoulder. “Your majesty, I am sorry to disturb you” he whispered softly, “I must get back to my station. They will be looking for me.” The queen lay on her back for several more moments, enjoying concerned Mateo watching her every move. Reluctantly, she opened her eyes and looked at her lover, “Of course you should get back. I want to see you again tonight. Will you come?” The queen knew that one of her bravest and youngest generals will follow every one of her commands, but she wanted to show her respect nevertheless. Before he could respond, Aleksandrina rolled over and climbed on top of him, kissing him gently. She pulled the crystal remote towards her, grabbed it and released the locks of the sphere’s cage. |
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Cossacki guards watched the sphere slowly come undone and bowed their heads as the naked queen emerged from her protected cage. She walked down the steps with Mateo following closely behind her, dressing himself as he walked. They reached the parquet floor of the royal chamber and kissed each other before Aleksandrina turned away, walking off in the direction of her wash rooms. Mateo threw a curious glance at the royal guards and made his way towards a corner of the room. Cossacki guards watched as he pushed a certain spot on the decorative wall and disappeared into a hidden passage. Aleksandrina heard the door slam behind Mateo as she walked through the royal archway into her grand washroom. She proceeded straight into the shower cabin and turned on scolding hot water. The water was slightly too hot for comfort but she ignored the burning and closed her eyes, remembering the incredible moments of her night with Mateo. He was a new man in her life and she enjoyed discovering what kind of a man he was, his desires, his fears, his strengths. He first made himself noticeable in the interplanetary war when he bravely defeated the stormeater aliens who surrounded the Queen’s royal partisan division and secured victory in the Stalinoid battle. To show her gratitude, Aleksandrina awarded him with a royal medal for bravery and raised his rank to Major General. She also made him her new lover, casting aside all others that came before him. She stood in the shower cabin a few minutes remembering the battle against stormeater’s and Mateo’s bravery before deciding it was time to find her brother and check news from Vadim.
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“Look at you, dear sister!” Wilfred’s voice greeted Aleksandrina like thunder on a clear day and made her jump. Aleksandrina instinctively covered herself and threw a furious glance at her brother standing on the other side of the shower cabin. She opened the door and grabbed the towel from her brother’s outstretched hand. He stood there towering over her even at a couple of feet’s distance, smiling with his eyes closed. “Did someone spend a glorious night love making??” Wilfred’s tone was disrespectfully mocking. “I just saw Mateo in the middle of his walk of shame. I wonder what the people would think of your new lover. I am sorry I lost count of how many lovers you actually have.”
Aleksandrina tucked herself in a towel, walked up to her brother, and slapped Wilfred with formidable strength, leaving a glowing red burn on his pale white skin. “Enough! You seem to believe I won’t chop your head off for insubordination!” She enunciated the last word specifically with a frustrated grunt and walked away into her dressing chambers. She heard her brother's loud footsteps echoing as he walked behind her. “How did you get in here, anyway? The Cossacki let you through?” She swung around and gave her brother a stern look, which was promptly ignored. He smiled, “The Cossacki and I are old friends. You know that.” He chuckled and continued, “Isn’t Mateo a bit young for you, dear sister? I know you’ve been spending a lot of time with him.” Wilfred sat himself down on a chaise chair still chuckling. Aleksandrina walked into the spacious royal closet and began to dress herself safely away from her brother’s prying eyes while he continued to discuss Mateo in a contemptuous manner. “Would you shut up!” Aleksandrina furiously yelled into the other room and listened as her brother finally stopped speaking. “Don’t get sassy with me woman!” he yelled back with renewed enthusiasm. Aleksandrina smiled. Her brother used to call her that all the time when they fought and argued as kids.
Wilfred enjoyed pushing his sister’s buttons with immense pleasure. He was younger than Aleksandrina by a decade and held a special place for her in his heart. After all, she helped raise him and he considered her almost as a third parent. Wilfred never expected that his sister would become the so-called “Supreme Ruler of Planet Earth” and was never able to get used to her strange status. In his mind, she remained a scruffy looking, clumsy sister he always known. Surprisingly, Aleksandrina remained unchanged except for rare episodes of hysteria driven outbursts usually brought on by frustration or exhaustion. Wilfred was impressed how calmly his sister handled stressful events, especially the three biggest battles in the Great War. Her human army was outnumbered one hundred thousand to one with up to that point unbeatable, technologically far more advanced, very aggressive newly discovered alien species, the stormeaters. Her victory was a sheer miracle which was profoundly unexpected as much by the entire human world as well as friendly alien species.
Wilfred enjoyed pushing his sister’s buttons with immense pleasure. He was younger than Aleksandrina by a decade and held a special place for her in his heart. After all, she helped raise him and he considered her almost as a third parent. Wilfred never expected that his sister would become the so-called “Supreme Ruler of Planet Earth” and was never able to get used to her strange status. In his mind, she remained a scruffy looking, clumsy sister he always known. Surprisingly, Aleksandrina remained unchanged except for rare episodes of hysteria driven outbursts usually brought on by frustration or exhaustion. Wilfred was impressed how calmly his sister handled stressful events, especially the three biggest battles in the Great War. Her human army was outnumbered one hundred thousand to one with up to that point unbeatable, technologically far more advanced, very aggressive newly discovered alien species, the stormeaters. Her victory was a sheer miracle which was profoundly unexpected as much by the entire human world as well as friendly alien species.
“Why do you make it your business to annoy me Will?” Aleksandrina finally emerged from her royal closet wearing a light green peplos dress embroidered with silver royal insignia. “Simply because I can.” Wilfred responded to his sister’s quip with a lazy, indifferent glance. “So what are you going to do with Limbane? I heard he is still rotting in Kishar prison. Are you going to execute him or no?” Wilfred abruptly changed the topic of their conversation along with his demeanor. The Queen picked up a strange vibe coming from her brother. She was caught by surprise that her brother was even aware of Limbane. “I didn’t know his fate interested you, Wilfred. You have no interest in the African continent, isn’t that so?” Wilfred shifted in his chaise chair and rolled his eyes, “I saw him treat you very disrespectfully in Jau. So naturally, I am curious what you are planning to do sister.” Wilfred’s voice sounded indifferent, but his eyes gave him away.
Aleksandrina realized that her brother got himself in some kind of trouble, otherwise he wouldn’t even know about the African ministers meeting at Jau hall. She walked up to Wilfred and leaned close to his face, “I don’t know what you are up to. But Limbane’s fate is not looking good. He is being investigated by my Svarog for treason. If he is found guilty, I will have to execute him. I don’t think he is useful to us or to anyone else.” Aleksandrina straightened up and walked over to a marble table located by the mirror on the other side of the room and pressed a small button etched on the marble table, containing her insignia, “Zoki, please send Violet in. I am ready for her to do my hair. And let me know the latest news shortly.”
As soon as the Queen’s finger lifted off the marble table, Violet appeared at the end of a long corridor connecting royal dressing rooms, cabinet rooms and drawing rooms with the royal chamber. Violet was a young lady, with soft tanned skin and thick black hair artfully braided. She moved throughout the corridor with elegance and grace. Her flowing skirts quietly tousled about. Wilfred’s gaze stopped on Violet for a long moment as he studied her face, before he realized that he was being skillfully distracted from his objective. “If I tell you what interests I have in Africa, will you keep Limbane alive long enough for me to sort out my affairs?” Wilfred looked at his sister inquisitively, wondering how she would respond to his request.
Aleksandrina walked over and sat in a chaise chair beside her brother, waiting for Violet to begin brushing and arranging her hair. “I don’t understand when you had time to mock around in Africa, Will. You have been deployed to that moonless planet Cartosa in Andromeda galaxy with a specific mission to build diplomatic ties between our species. I told you how important it is to rebuild our army and find new trade routes, not to mention all those allies that depend on our supplies, the Prozarians, Lemosos and my beloved Tuksies. Without their support, our galaxy stands naked and undefended. We need them. And I need you to actually do what I need you to do.” Aleksandrina sighed with aggravation. “I will keep him alive, brother. As always.” She sighed again looking frustratingly at her brother, his tall frame and his dirty blonde hair. Relieved, Wilfred jumped from his chair, planted a big kiss on his sister’s cheek and ran down the corridor, yelling “Thank you!”
As soon as the Queen’s finger lifted off the marble table, Violet appeared at the end of a long corridor connecting royal dressing rooms, cabinet rooms and drawing rooms with the royal chamber. Violet was a young lady, with soft tanned skin and thick black hair artfully braided. She moved throughout the corridor with elegance and grace. Her flowing skirts quietly tousled about. Wilfred’s gaze stopped on Violet for a long moment as he studied her face, before he realized that he was being skillfully distracted from his objective. “If I tell you what interests I have in Africa, will you keep Limbane alive long enough for me to sort out my affairs?” Wilfred looked at his sister inquisitively, wondering how she would respond to his request.
Aleksandrina walked over and sat in a chaise chair beside her brother, waiting for Violet to begin brushing and arranging her hair. “I don’t understand when you had time to mock around in Africa, Will. You have been deployed to that moonless planet Cartosa in Andromeda galaxy with a specific mission to build diplomatic ties between our species. I told you how important it is to rebuild our army and find new trade routes, not to mention all those allies that depend on our supplies, the Prozarians, Lemosos and my beloved Tuksies. Without their support, our galaxy stands naked and undefended. We need them. And I need you to actually do what I need you to do.” Aleksandrina sighed with aggravation. “I will keep him alive, brother. As always.” She sighed again looking frustratingly at her brother, his tall frame and his dirty blonde hair. Relieved, Wilfred jumped from his chair, planted a big kiss on his sister’s cheek and ran down the corridor, yelling “Thank you!”
The Queen smiled at her brother’s sweet gesture. She suspected what affairs her brother got himself involved in Africa, but decided to investigate nevertheless. Just as Violet was finishing up arranging the Queen’s hair, Zoki appeared in the corridor followed by Queen’s three closest advisers. Aleksandrina shifted in her chair and instinctively touched her hair to make sure that it has been arranged to her liking. She motioned to Violet that she is free to go and focused her attention on approaching gentlemen. As Zoki walked up to the Queen and greeted her, she noticed a slight grimace run over his face and quickly dissipate. He bowed to the Queen and moved aside to let royal advisers approach.
Amelatu, Nakura and Sessum came closer to Alexandrina and bowed. The Queen looked at each of her advisers, slowly, carefully, and suddenly she realized that all three were more nervous than usual. Cold sweat and unyielding paralysis slowly started to find its way down Alexandrina’s spine. Alexandrina was familiar with this unpleasant feeling and had experience taming her fear. To remain in control of her body, she knew she had to move. She forced herself to stand up and smile at the men, “Gentlemen, let’s move to my cabinet room.” Briskly moving into the royal corridor and in the direction of the grand cabinet nearby bought Alexandrina a few seconds to review all possible news that could have arrived and prepare herself for whatever news she may learn. Her advisers followed slowly behind her, avoiding eye contact and making themselves as quiet as possible. “I can tell from looking at all of you that we have a lot to discuss.” Aleksandrina said in an even tone as she entered her cabinet. "Please," she motioned for her advisers to sit down at the large mahogany table in the center of the room. “Zoki, have Katya bring hot tea and breakfast sandwiches. We will be here for the rest of the morning.” Zoki bowed to the Queen and quietly responded, “Yes, Majesty.” He backed away out of the room and disappeared behind closed doors.
“Your majesty,” Sessum stood up from his chair and spoke first to break the uncomfortable silence which fell in the room after Zoki’s departure. “If I may be allowed to speak first.” He continued in a diffident manner, “As you know, I am the most senior adviser in your service. I also preside over your domestic policy council and direct your public relations board. I have been by your side since you first appeared on this world’s radar and made your claim to rule not just our beloved planet, but the entire solar system. Little did we know, how far you would ascend.” Sessum paused to clear his throat and to shift weight from one foot to another, “I am an old man, Your Majesty, and should by now know how to deliver bad news to a person I admire, but time is of the essence, I do not have a chance to provide you will all the details. I will say to you what we all learned a few minutes ago.” Sessum paused and glanced at the Queen, searching her face for any apprehension, yet what he received was a stone cold glance in return. “As you know, the Nova, or I should say the Osnova apparatus is a global communications machine that tracks, connects, retrieves and analyzes information. It is the most effective machine of its kind and we have been using it to track our people in the South Atlantic.” The Queen’s right eye suddenly twitched. She ignored the uncontrollable movement and sternly motioned to continue. “The Nova lost signal from the island. We have stopped receiving a signal from Tristan Da Cunha, completely. It’s as if there is no island.” Sessum lowered his head and apologetically stared at the table. Nakura and Amelatu patiently stirred in their seats waiting for the Queen’s reaction to the news.
“So what was all that nonsense you mentioned in the beginning? Why did you have to go over what I have delegated to you to oversee? Do you think I have forgotten who is in charge of what?!” The Queen angrily jumped up and walked past Sessum who tiredly slumped back into a sitting position. She approached the large window of her cabinet and looked out at the empty royal garden. “Get Zoki in here, I need TEA!” She commanded infuriatingly. A few moments passed before the Queen turned around and looked at her advisers, “Speak! Who has ideas? What are my options?” This time her commands were fired off in a slightly calmer tone of voice.
Amelatu, Nakura and Sessum came closer to Alexandrina and bowed. The Queen looked at each of her advisers, slowly, carefully, and suddenly she realized that all three were more nervous than usual. Cold sweat and unyielding paralysis slowly started to find its way down Alexandrina’s spine. Alexandrina was familiar with this unpleasant feeling and had experience taming her fear. To remain in control of her body, she knew she had to move. She forced herself to stand up and smile at the men, “Gentlemen, let’s move to my cabinet room.” Briskly moving into the royal corridor and in the direction of the grand cabinet nearby bought Alexandrina a few seconds to review all possible news that could have arrived and prepare herself for whatever news she may learn. Her advisers followed slowly behind her, avoiding eye contact and making themselves as quiet as possible. “I can tell from looking at all of you that we have a lot to discuss.” Aleksandrina said in an even tone as she entered her cabinet. "Please," she motioned for her advisers to sit down at the large mahogany table in the center of the room. “Zoki, have Katya bring hot tea and breakfast sandwiches. We will be here for the rest of the morning.” Zoki bowed to the Queen and quietly responded, “Yes, Majesty.” He backed away out of the room and disappeared behind closed doors.
“Your majesty,” Sessum stood up from his chair and spoke first to break the uncomfortable silence which fell in the room after Zoki’s departure. “If I may be allowed to speak first.” He continued in a diffident manner, “As you know, I am the most senior adviser in your service. I also preside over your domestic policy council and direct your public relations board. I have been by your side since you first appeared on this world’s radar and made your claim to rule not just our beloved planet, but the entire solar system. Little did we know, how far you would ascend.” Sessum paused to clear his throat and to shift weight from one foot to another, “I am an old man, Your Majesty, and should by now know how to deliver bad news to a person I admire, but time is of the essence, I do not have a chance to provide you will all the details. I will say to you what we all learned a few minutes ago.” Sessum paused and glanced at the Queen, searching her face for any apprehension, yet what he received was a stone cold glance in return. “As you know, the Nova, or I should say the Osnova apparatus is a global communications machine that tracks, connects, retrieves and analyzes information. It is the most effective machine of its kind and we have been using it to track our people in the South Atlantic.” The Queen’s right eye suddenly twitched. She ignored the uncontrollable movement and sternly motioned to continue. “The Nova lost signal from the island. We have stopped receiving a signal from Tristan Da Cunha, completely. It’s as if there is no island.” Sessum lowered his head and apologetically stared at the table. Nakura and Amelatu patiently stirred in their seats waiting for the Queen’s reaction to the news.
“So what was all that nonsense you mentioned in the beginning? Why did you have to go over what I have delegated to you to oversee? Do you think I have forgotten who is in charge of what?!” The Queen angrily jumped up and walked past Sessum who tiredly slumped back into a sitting position. She approached the large window of her cabinet and looked out at the empty royal garden. “Get Zoki in here, I need TEA!” She commanded infuriatingly. A few moments passed before the Queen turned around and looked at her advisers, “Speak! Who has ideas? What are my options?” This time her commands were fired off in a slightly calmer tone of voice.
Zoki and Katya appeared at the door just as the Queen went back and sat down at the table waiting for ideas from her advisers. Zoki approached the Queen and began to arrange her tea set in front of her, carefully handling the royal china. As soon as he finished, he moved on to arrange the tea set for Amelatu who was sitting to the right of the Queen, while Katya began to arrange the refreshments for Aleksandrina. The tea ritual was a daily routine for Zoki and Katya, their movements were economical and swift. The entire ritual was arranged in minutes and they quietly retreated out of the room to allow the cabinet members to continue with their discussion. |
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The advisers waited for Aleksandrina to drink several sips of hot Russian tea and return the cup to its saucer before one of them moved to address the Queen. Amelatu cautiously stood up and looked at her, “Your Majesty, the world is not aware of the situation that might be taking place at Tristan Da Cunha, may I suggest that you immediately visit the island. The Nova has indicated to us that it scanned all communication to and from the British isles, they are currently not aware of what may have happened. It would benefit you, greatly, to be the first on Tristan Da Cunha to show your support. They probably need supplies and medics! This island is so remote there is no airport, it is accessible only by sea.” Amelatu became more anxioius as he spoke, while scanning the room for support from Sessum or Nakura.
He was the youngest out of all the royal advisers and the most inexperienced in crisis management. Although Amelatu was younger than her other advisers and somewhat emotional, the Queen derived fulfillment from his tenacity to help fellow human beings. “Every moment that goes by and no action is taken, that may work against us, Your Majesty. We need to move quickly and help the Tristanians. No one can reach them faster than you, Your Majesty.” Amelatu glared at Nakura, angrily waiting for him to speak. The latter appeared to perspire, pensively gazing at the Queen and slowly nodding to Amelatu’s words. “This island may not hold great economic value, but it holds crucial ecological value and ..” Amelatu stopped speaking mid-sentence as he saw the Queen raise her hand and motion for him to sit down. “I hear you Amelatu, and I agree with you. I will go to Tristan Da Cunha.” Aleksandrina coldly looked around the table and continued, “I have made my decision. I did not make it lightly. Amelatu, have Zoki prepare my ship. I leave in one hour.”
He was the youngest out of all the royal advisers and the most inexperienced in crisis management. Although Amelatu was younger than her other advisers and somewhat emotional, the Queen derived fulfillment from his tenacity to help fellow human beings. “Every moment that goes by and no action is taken, that may work against us, Your Majesty. We need to move quickly and help the Tristanians. No one can reach them faster than you, Your Majesty.” Amelatu glared at Nakura, angrily waiting for him to speak. The latter appeared to perspire, pensively gazing at the Queen and slowly nodding to Amelatu’s words. “This island may not hold great economic value, but it holds crucial ecological value and ..” Amelatu stopped speaking mid-sentence as he saw the Queen raise her hand and motion for him to sit down. “I hear you Amelatu, and I agree with you. I will go to Tristan Da Cunha.” Aleksandrina coldly looked around the table and continued, “I have made my decision. I did not make it lightly. Amelatu, have Zoki prepare my ship. I leave in one hour.”
Amelatu stood up from his chair, visibly relieved, bowed to the Queen and quietly moved to exit the cabinet room. “Nakura, what have you to say?” Alexandrina addressed her second senior adviser observing him carefully, “You’ve been very quiet. You know I saw my brother this morning. He returned from Andromeda finally. What news are there from Cartosa? Did they accept our trade agreement with all its terms?” Alexandrina took another sip of her tea and watched a drop of sweat slowly roll down Nakura’s face. He stood up, unceremoniously wiped his forehead with the back of his hand, and looked at the Queen, “Your Majesty, Cartosa is unwilling to enter into trade with us, wi-i-ith our species.” Nakura stuttered uncharacteristically delivering the news, “Shadows welcomed your brother with utmost enthusiasm. They threw a festival in honor of his arrival. After the proceedings, His Highness Wilfred met with one of their chiefs in charge of trade, Chunagoh, and presented him with our agreement. The negotiations lasted over 6 months, but no agreement was reached.” Nakura stole a glance at Sessum whose face grew longer and more upset with every word he heard.
“They welcome my brother, they honor him, and yet they don’t want to trade. Why?” Aleksandrina’s face grimaced looking at Nakura, awaiting his answer. “Your Majesty, after reviewing numerous materials from your brother’s trip, I believe Shadows have a skewed view of our civilization. From what I can gather, Shadows are concerned that entering into trade with our species will lead their civilization to eventual destruction. They simply don't trust us. They probably view us as a violent, brutal, not very technologically advanced, species who require governments to control the population, since the population cannot control itself. Further, they may even believe we will export our bad values in addition to our resources and technology, since someone would have to bring it to them. Perhaps, they even assume that under the guise of a trade relationship, we may eventually want to colonize them!” Nakura bowed to the queen and motioned for permission to sit down. Aleksandrina nodded and reached for the tea pot. Pouring the scolding hot tea, she slightly smiled to herself at the thought of colonization. After all, she grew up in a country that viewed imperialism positively, and Cartosa was a tasty delight of a planet, immensely rich in resources with a great location. Who could blame her for wanting to advance the interests of her species?
“I don’t know much about Shadows culture, but I do know that they are predictable and communicative. Perhaps another envoy would be able to convince them that trading with us is beneficial.” Aleksandrina looked at her advisers for further suggestions and noticed that Sessum wanted to speak. “Your Majesty,” Sessum heavily stirred and moved to stand up, “I believe young Will did offer them something after they rejected our trade agreement. A sports tournament. An intergalactic tournament that would bring our species together to an event and build a bond based on athletic ability.” Aleksandrina raised her hand and waived it in the air in protest, “Whatever you are about to say, Sessum, do not say golf. I detest that game beyond all proportion, even if I do occasionally play it myself.” Sessum chuckled in a discreet manner and sat back down in his chair. “Although my brother has a great idea,” the Queen continued in a somewhat intense tone of voice, “it infuriates me that these species think they can evaluate us or our values. If they are more advanced in technology, it simply means they had more time. Humans have not been around that long but made impressive progress. And what makes these species so morally superior? They’ve never stole? Never killed? Your thoughts, Nakura?”
Nakura was drinking his tea when the Queen asked him his thoughts. He scrambled to stand up and address Aleksandrina, “Your Majesty, apparently Shadows have been watching progress our planet has made for at least a millennia, since before the times of William the Conqueror. If we were to compare the rate of progress between our species, it would take them ten years to accomplish what takes us a thousand years. By all accounts, they are smarter than us and they know it. However, I believe they will still eventually trade with us. We offer some rare biodiversity and natural resources that few other species can compete with. Perhaps we can spend some time with Shadows, warm them up so to speak before we close the deal.”
A loud knock on the door interrupted Nakura causing him to sit down. All three people watched Zoki quietly sneak in and approach the Queen. He carefully bowed to Aleksandrina, moving closer to whisper something in her ear. She nodded a few times and shooed Zoki away.
“Gentlemen, I must leave right now. Please develop this sport event, whatever it may be. We will meet back here 24 hours where you will put forth your proposals to me. I need this trade route and I need it fast. Make sure your ideas are good, otherwise…” Aleksandrina did not finish her sentence. Instead, she swiftly sprung out of her chair and left the royal cabinet.
“They welcome my brother, they honor him, and yet they don’t want to trade. Why?” Aleksandrina’s face grimaced looking at Nakura, awaiting his answer. “Your Majesty, after reviewing numerous materials from your brother’s trip, I believe Shadows have a skewed view of our civilization. From what I can gather, Shadows are concerned that entering into trade with our species will lead their civilization to eventual destruction. They simply don't trust us. They probably view us as a violent, brutal, not very technologically advanced, species who require governments to control the population, since the population cannot control itself. Further, they may even believe we will export our bad values in addition to our resources and technology, since someone would have to bring it to them. Perhaps, they even assume that under the guise of a trade relationship, we may eventually want to colonize them!” Nakura bowed to the queen and motioned for permission to sit down. Aleksandrina nodded and reached for the tea pot. Pouring the scolding hot tea, she slightly smiled to herself at the thought of colonization. After all, she grew up in a country that viewed imperialism positively, and Cartosa was a tasty delight of a planet, immensely rich in resources with a great location. Who could blame her for wanting to advance the interests of her species?
“I don’t know much about Shadows culture, but I do know that they are predictable and communicative. Perhaps another envoy would be able to convince them that trading with us is beneficial.” Aleksandrina looked at her advisers for further suggestions and noticed that Sessum wanted to speak. “Your Majesty,” Sessum heavily stirred and moved to stand up, “I believe young Will did offer them something after they rejected our trade agreement. A sports tournament. An intergalactic tournament that would bring our species together to an event and build a bond based on athletic ability.” Aleksandrina raised her hand and waived it in the air in protest, “Whatever you are about to say, Sessum, do not say golf. I detest that game beyond all proportion, even if I do occasionally play it myself.” Sessum chuckled in a discreet manner and sat back down in his chair. “Although my brother has a great idea,” the Queen continued in a somewhat intense tone of voice, “it infuriates me that these species think they can evaluate us or our values. If they are more advanced in technology, it simply means they had more time. Humans have not been around that long but made impressive progress. And what makes these species so morally superior? They’ve never stole? Never killed? Your thoughts, Nakura?”
Nakura was drinking his tea when the Queen asked him his thoughts. He scrambled to stand up and address Aleksandrina, “Your Majesty, apparently Shadows have been watching progress our planet has made for at least a millennia, since before the times of William the Conqueror. If we were to compare the rate of progress between our species, it would take them ten years to accomplish what takes us a thousand years. By all accounts, they are smarter than us and they know it. However, I believe they will still eventually trade with us. We offer some rare biodiversity and natural resources that few other species can compete with. Perhaps we can spend some time with Shadows, warm them up so to speak before we close the deal.”
A loud knock on the door interrupted Nakura causing him to sit down. All three people watched Zoki quietly sneak in and approach the Queen. He carefully bowed to Aleksandrina, moving closer to whisper something in her ear. She nodded a few times and shooed Zoki away.
“Gentlemen, I must leave right now. Please develop this sport event, whatever it may be. We will meet back here 24 hours where you will put forth your proposals to me. I need this trade route and I need it fast. Make sure your ideas are good, otherwise…” Aleksandrina did not finish her sentence. Instead, she swiftly sprung out of her chair and left the royal cabinet.
