Chapter Nineteen: Honor Unchained — Part 9

“Father, we bring visitors from another world.” Alexsai said quietly.

“Why whisper? I can see by her ears that she isn’t from here. I bet she can hear all of us talking.”

“She’s a telepath, Father. She could invade our thoughts. I don’t think she does so as a habit.” Alexsai said.

“So they are representatives of the other world. Why aren’t they speaking with the Council?” Master Toen whispered back, his eyes playful.

“They’re opposed to our service class, avoid wearing clothing whenever possible, and come from a society without a class system. The Council felt that they would corrupt our society, and opted for restraint of their individual rights. They rebelled when we tried to put bracelets on them. The leader disabled an entire garrison of foot soldiers, tossed them off the ship like a bunch of toys.”

Master Toen stifled a giggle. “Why bring them here?”

“We need their alliance if the Cynosure is to be kept from destroying all we’ve worked for. They live by a code that encompasses much of what you teach, Father. I thought that if anybody could fix this mess, you could.”

“The lady is of importance no doubt. She stands so calmly, smiling within, waiting for us to finish our game.” Master Toen waved her over, each studying the other as Susan approached.

Alexsai explained Susan even as she approached. “Her name is Susan MacAnderly, and she says she’s the Leader of the human race on Fog World. Only she calls it the People’s Democratic Republic of Antans. She’s stubborn, unyielding, and opinionated.”

Master Toen was quiet for several moments, waiting for Alexsai, Joni, and Trina to stand, waiting also for Susan to come close enough to talk to him directly. “It’s good to know you care enough about life to give our world one more chance.”

Susan nodded, a committal grunt rising to her lips. She moved with grace directly in front of Master Toen. Susan stood a great deal shorter than the man before her. She looked up at him, content to stand at ground level for the moment. Her eyes glowed momentarily, whether a trick of the sun or because of her own personal abilities, no one but Susan could know for certain. She stared into the eyes of Master Toen, into the eyes of a man who had quite a playful nature. She waited patiently for Master Toen to speak.

“What brings you here?” Master Toen asked, when it was apparent Susan would not speak first.

Susan allowed the briefest hint of a smile. “We need the alliance. Only our advanced technology and the Cynosure’s ignorance kept them from succeeding. Every year that passes gives the Cynosure more time to gather knowledge of our world, and more ways to overcome our defenses.”

“And what if the Cynosure fell tomorrow?” Master Toen asked absently, as if he took nothing she was saying seriously.

“The aftermath of such a potential is obvious. Two planets would stand stronger than one against the Satraps and Barons as the families of the Upper Class each fight for control.” Alexsai said, “The Fringe Worlds, I fear, are already having a power debate.”

“The woman might have answered that.” Master Toen sounded almost playful, but Alexsai looked chastened. The Master’s eyes ever left Susan’s. “I’m surprised that you didn’t at least bow to me.” Master Toen said, looking down his nose at her. “Of course, you’re already so close to the ground.”

“We don’t greet others on our world with such physical demeanor — it would be disrespectful to both persons. I’m the Leader and never has a person bowed to me.” Susan calmly ignored his feign of arrogance.

“You aren’t on your world.” Master Toen countered, as if scolding a child.

Susan smiled, but her inner emotion was of a far more serious nature. Even through her boots, the cold ground leeched the heat from her feet. It felt good, and seeing that Master Toen wore no shoes, Susan figured he probably felt about the same.

“I was invited, and until I’m treated otherwise, I will act as a guest, not as a native.”

Master Toen smiled. “You’re most childish, I think.”

“Perhaps you’re merely shallow minded.” Susan registered a response from Alexsai, surprise and mild anger mingled dangerously in his mind.

All of it was well concealed externally, his face showed none of what he felt within. Master Toen, however, had nothing but an introspective thoughtfulness about him.

“Perhaps, I should broaden my horizons.” Master Toen clucked, thinking absently. “How is it, on your world, that people greet each other?”

Susan looked surprised; the game she was playing had taken an unexpected twist. The man had countered her retaliation with respect. “Is that a request for a physical demonstration?”

“Yes, I think it is.” Master Toen waited patiently.

Susan hardly had to concentrate to rise off the ground high enough to make eye contact with Master Toen, and see his eyes widen noticeably. Her lips embraced his for a moment, his breath sweet on her tongue. Very carefully, she touched his cheek with her fingertips. After a few moments Susan broke contact, and settling back to the ground.

“Of course, there are variations of this greeting. People of the same family greet each other with a hug and kisses between family tend to be on the cheek, because families tend to have less intimacy than friendships.”

“There are others with you. Why do they hide like fledglings on board your ship?” Master Toen asked.

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