Vi’le:

  The projection of Prime Minister Vi’le paced the large meeting room where the other Prime Ministers sat. Some projections were like himself, but the majority were there in person. The room was oval, full of chairs with old fashioned lanterns providing light in some desperate cling to the pre-Merger ways. Large windows along the back of the room provided a generous view of the green Wingstar Ocean, one last bit of home that had come with them to this new planet.

  The coastal city of Mi’ga was often considered the capital of what remained of Mythia, but Vi’le had always preferred to keep himself situated away from the majority of his fellow chief politicians. It made him stand out amongst the Prime Ministers even if it did sometimes cost him the swaying power he wished to hold when it came to passing his most important ideas. Such as the Diplomacy Initiative, a theory that if proved, would represent the greatest leap in Unhuman-Human relations since the Merger sixty years prior.

  “Our candidate for the Diplomacy Initiative will be arriving tomorrow. You can’t cancel the project before it’s even begun,” Vi’le said gruffly as he stood at the center of the room to address the Prime Ministers sitting in their grand chairs along the boundary.

  There were nearly two dozen other leaders in the room, the head representative of every Unhuman species. It was their bi-monthly meeting to discuss the most pressing issues facing Mythia. Oftentimes that meant hours of complaints and strategizing against the ever present terrorists, Hexed Humans who believed themselves on some noble quest to right what they believed were wrongs done to them. Those filthy freaks were unappreciative of the life offered to them by the Unhumans.

  Unhuman, a name newly invented for their kind after the Merger in which it became necessary to differentiate the sentient species capable of gaining [Skills] from the jemlk’wp. It was a name they chose based on the Human language to make things simpler for their new neighbors who refused to understand that the people of Mythia had never needed any special classification beyond species.

  “This project is nothing more than a sloppy cover story for you to gain the necessary notoriety among the Humans to place an Embassy in Bren’it’p,” the [Werewolf] Prime Minister growled.

  “This only invites trouble into our homelands. Bringing a Human so deep into Telra is essentially asking the Humans to spy on us,” the [Slyph] next to him concurred.

  “I see this setting us on the path to war.” The [Dwarf] Prime Minister shook her head. “There is such a delicate balance between us and the jemlk’wp. Bringing one of their kind here may draw out an attack from the terrorists as well. We already have enough trouble keeping them at bay. They will see this as an opportunity to incite violence from the Humans towards us.”

  “But think of the benefit if this Initiative plays out how we hope.” Arev, the [Tengu] Prime Minister stood up and joined Vi’le at the center of the floor. “We might finally have true peace for the first time in over half a century and without the help of the Almighties even.”

  “And we could finally see a reality in which all Mythians have access to the Human knowledge and technology. It would no longer be for just the jemlk’wp’s, but for all inhabitants of our world,” Vi’le said.

  “These are grand visions, but they all depend on a single Human. Are you willing to put so much faith in this candidate? After all, we only get one chance at this,” the [Shade] Minister said.

  Others murmured in agreement about the weight which was to be borne by a single Human, the most untrustworthy species on the planet.

  “We were careful in our selection. Everyone here has seen the reports about our candidate. There is no better choice,” Vi’le assured them. He had been the one to head the committee in selecting the appropriate Human, and many thought he erred in his choice. But Vi’le had seen the man with his own eyes, and that had confirmed his decision. There was no better candidate available.

  “I move to maintain the Diplomacy Initiative for another year, pending favorable reports from Bren’it’p,” Arev said.

  While those who opposed the Initiative were exceptionally vocal, they also represented the minority of the legislature. Arev’s motion passed without problem, carrying with it the hopes of the majority of the Unhuman leaders.

  Vi’le licked his lips in anticipation. It would be a long wait to see the fruits of the Initiative, but if it all went according to plan, the world would be changed for the better.

  Everything rested on Fletcher Anders.

  Taki:

  “After getting our message, do you think he’ll do what we asked, sir?” Captain Monroe asked from where she sat on the other side of the desk.

  General Taki shook his head slowly. “Deities, I hope so. But given that obvious stubborn streak which he calls his morals, I have my doubts.”

  “Perhaps we should take more direct action. Force his hand,” Monroe suggested.

  Taki smiled. “We already have a round the clock watch set on his father. I’m not going to harm an innocent civilian unless there seems to be no other choice. We don’t know for sure that Anders won’t fulfill his task.”

  “Maybe the problem is that we didn’t share everything. If he understood better why we need this information—”

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  “That’s enough, Captain. I made my decision. The Contingency Protocol is far too important to trust that kind of information to someone going into enemy territory. He’s a teacher. He has absolutely no training to defend against their interrogation methods. Besides, I choose to believe that when push comes to shove, the kid will make the right choice.” Taki gave a firm stare to the woman across from him. She needed to understand that he had a plan. A plan that was going to work.

  “Very well, sir.” Monroe frowned and broke eye contact.

  “You’re dismissed. Tell Lieutenant Jackson to set up a meeting with Secretary Walen as soon as the Secretary’s schedule allows.” Taki looked down at the files on his desk, making it clear that he wouldn’t accept any more arguments from the Captain.

  “Yes, sir.” Monroe stood up, saluted, and exited.

  General Taki fiddled with the pen in his hand, not really paying attention to the paper he stared at. He refused to admit to Monroe how nervous he really was when it came to thinking about Fletcher Anders and the role he might play in the future of the entire Human race. The Contingency Protocol terrified him, just as it would any sane person, but he was also mature enough to recognize the importance of having it in place. He only hoped they would never have to use it, not during his lifetime at least.

  But that depended on things beyond his control, like how much information they could get from their spies. Every Human had been willing to cooperate so far, except Fletcher Anders, and that worried him. Anders was young, far too young to remember the world before colonies. He didn’t understand the importance of keeping the Unhumans at a distance, and if there were more like him cropping up among the Human population, the entire world could be in danger.

  No, Taki would have to keep a very close eye on Fletcher Anders and all his doings, no doubt about it.

  Tekara:

  Tekara soared above the clouds, enjoying the sunlight as she took her daily flight. It was nice to get away from the world for a while and enjoy the peace and quiet of being alone. As grand as He’vera was, with so many [Demanlics] packed in, it was rare she was ever really by herself.

  Her solitude was interrupted by a voice in her mind, that of her mate, Glav’et.

  “The Council seeks your presence, my love.”

  Tekara sighed, and opened her side of the mental conversation.

  [Activating: Message]

  “I will go to them when I return,” she thought back.

  Glav’et’s voice was soft yet firm. “Their request is immediate, Tekara.”

  She frowned as she changed her trajectory to take her straight back to the city. “On my way. Thank you, Glav’et.”

  She closed out of her side, and no response came, meaning her mate had done the same.

  [Deactivating: Message]

  Taking a direct path made her return to He’vera a short affair, and soon she landed in central plaza. She glanced at the dome which they called the Hall, the public meeting place of the Council, but given that this was meant to be a private exchange, she went to the open layered building next to it where the Council members kept their offices.

  One long column stood at the center to support the structure while rooms jutted out at various heights, each one representing the office of a different councilmember. At the very top of the building—it almost resembled a tree—sat an oval room where the Council held their private meetings and divvied out assignments when necessary.

  It had been only a couple of decades since the last time Tekara was called upon by the Council, and she couldn’t imagine they were already going to give her another task given how recent her last one had been.

  She bent her knees and then jumped up, her white wings spreading out behind her to propel her upwards to the small council chamber. Landing at the platform, she straightened her clothes as she nodded to the acolyte waiting at the door.

  The [Orc] wore a simple black and white robe, and the only distinct color on him was his red skin. His white eyes barely glanced up from the floor, utter reverence and awe on his face despite the fact he’d been an acolyte for the [Demanlics] his whole life. To call them servants would be an insult, though to those of the lower world their roles likely appeared as such. But acolytes were people who dedicated their lives—by choice—to assisting in vital functions in He’vera such as growing food and constructing and maintaining buildings so [Demanlics] could focus on their true, higher purpose in this world.

  “The Council is ready for you, Lady Tekara.” The [Orc] dipped his head low and then quickly turned and opened the door, allowing her inside the meeting room.

  All thirteen of the Councilmembers were in attendance, and Farud, the oldest of all [Demanlics] stood to greet her.

  “Welcome, Tekara. We appreciate your haste in answering our summons,” he said. Due to his seniority, Farud was the Council Judge, head of the thirteen leaders who led the [Demanlics].

  The room was rather big, with an open roof to allow plenty of light and air. The thirteen chairs circled the room, making it so she had to stand with her back to someone. As custom dictated, she faced the Council Judge, unconcerned about who sat behind her.

  “Of course.” She dipped her head. “What can I do for my people?”

  “We have a task for you,” Farud said. “You will go down to the lower people and represent the voice of the [Demanlics] in a meeting with one of the Prime Ministers. They are once again requesting we interfere on their behalf against the Humans. Our answer is the same, we only wish to assure them that we have not forgotten them. It is important the lower people remember that their protectors remain, if at a distance for now.”

  “A meeting… with a Prime Minister… Below…” Tekara bit her lip. Her last assignment had forced her from He’vera, but she hadn’t had to interact with those who lived in the lower world. In fact, she hadn’t interacted with anyone but the acolytes and other [Demanlics] in four decades… since Travesty. Why would they choose her?

  “Yes. You will [Lightning Port] near the city where a private carriage will take you to the office. There will be minimal interaction, Tekara. There is no reason to fear.” Farud immediately saw her hesitations, likely using his [Intuition] to fill in whatever blanks were left by her expression.

  “Very well. As the Council commands.” She ducked her head again. “But if I may… Why me? Surely someone more acquainted with diplomacy would be a better fit.”

  “You have been below most recently meaning you are most familiar with the state of the lower world. You need not go yet, only soon.”

  Tekara nodded. Glav’et would not like this. He’d nearly worried to death the last time she had to leave He’vera. “And who is this meeting with?”

  Farud smiled. “Minister Vi’le, Prime Minister of the [Goblins].”

  She nodded again, but her instincts warned that all was not as it seemed. Something about this upcoming meeting boded ill, though she could not say why. She would only learn why when the time came to meet with the Prime Minister, and until then, she could only wonder.

  FIFTEEN advanced chapters (5 weeks ahead of RR). if you're interested, and thank you for your support!