Chapter 17

For five days, Kipexo, Ethan, Reseila, and Sovereign Luxtetana met in the same room, discussing the same issues and hashing over the most minor of details until Kipexo’s brain felt ready to explode at each day’s end. Lands were swapped for air travel rights and vice versa, hostages were exchanged, and official positions were created on both sides for elected personnel who would communicate between the races about issues involving travel, trade, and de-escalation as armies moved into their own territories. The Veil often asked for far more than they were willing to give, which prompted Kipexo to scoff and speak up, point out the disparities, and push for a more equal and fair agreement. There were times he grew heated, swearing at his people’s audacity in asking for so much in exchange for so little. During such times, both Reseila and the sovereign would stare at him in stunned silence. Ethan would smile and softly squeeze his hand under the table, helping Kipexo to calm his emotions and work through the problem until a better resolution was found.

Finally, on the sixth day, Reseila nodded and typed a few last-minute details into her databand. A few moments later, it lit with a notification that made her frown.

Kipexo groaned. “What is it now?” he asked irritably. “What tiny detail do they want to argue over this time?”

Reseila looked at him, and for the first time since landing on Dradaheirn, she looked truly worried. “You’re not going to like this,” she said softly. “The Veil is ready to accept the treaty, but they’ve requested one new stipulation.”

“What is it?” Sovereign Luxtetana asked.

Reseila didn’t look away from Kipexo as she answered. “They’re requesting that you be instated as a permanent ambassador for Lifreet and Raugon affairs. They want you to oversee all future relations between our people and the Lifreet.”

Kipexo sputtered. “What… I’m not… I’m a fucking soldier!” he yelled. “Get someone else.”

She shook her head. “This message came directly from the Elder. It isn’t an official request, it’s a warning. Apparently, they’ve been discussing this the entire time we’ve been negotiating. They want you, and they’re willing to pull the plug on this whole thing if you don’t agree.”

There it is, the price Kipexo expected the Veil to set for peace. He just never expected he’d be the one to have to pay it.

“Why does everyone insist on roping me into things I’m not suited for?” he asked with a growl. “I’m not a politician.”

“No,” Reseila agreed. “But…” She sighed. “Forgive me, but for once I agree with my fellow Chiefs. You are the best person for this job. You have a good enough reputation to work with our people on sensitive matters and get results as well as enough trust with the Lifreet to do the same on their side. Right?” she asked with a glance at the sovereign, who bowed his head in agreement. “There’s no one else who can claim that.”

“There’s you,” Kipexo contradicted.

Reseila shook her head. “It can’t be me. They’d never allow me to keep my position as Chief and take up this new one, and the Lifreet will need me where I am in case they run into any trouble. There will no doubt be strings to pull as we move forward. You and I would make the perfect team to see things run smoothly in the coming months and solar cycles. Besides, what else do you plan to do with yourself once the humans are returned?”

Kipexo slammed a fist on the table, making Ethan jump beside him. “What I do with my life is between me and Ethan,” Kipexo snapped. “The Veil thinks they can still control me by placing this burden upon my shoulders, but they don’t get a say. My family’s wishes come first.”

Reseila stood from her chair. “Then perhaps we should give you and Ethan some privacy and let the two of you discuss this.” She gave the sovereign a sideways glance, and he bowed his head and turned for the door. Before she followed him out of the room, she looked at both Kipexo and Ethan and said, “I don’t have to tell you how much hangs in the balance here. I know what we’re asking of you, but please remember all the lives you’ll be changing for the better if you choose to make this sacrifice.” She turned and left the room.

Kipexo and Ethan looked at each other, and, without a word needing to be said, Ethan reached for Kipexo, who immediately scooped his Earthling into his lap and hugged him close. They sat together quietly for a while, each weighing this decision in their minds before they spoke. Ethan was the first to break the silence.

“So…” he said with a sigh. “I guess this means we don’t have to wonder where we’ll build our life together anymore.”

“You speak as if this is already a certainty,” Kipexo commented.

“Isn’t it? I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I could live with myself if we walked away now and let everything we’ve worked so hard for just fall apart.”

Kipexo growled low in his throat. “This is exactly what the Veil is counting on, that our guilt will make this choice for us. But we do have a choice, Ethan. We can walk away. We’ve done everything that’s been asked of us. We owe no one.”

“I know, but what else are we going to do, Kipexo? I don’t want to go back to Raug, and I doubt you do either.”

“No, I don’t.”

“When I think about going back to Earth, my stomach gets all twisted and nauseous, and all that anxiety I’ve let go of since being with you comes rushing back. That’s not my home anymore, and I’m sorry, but… I don’t see it ever being yours either.”

Kipexo sighed. “I’ll admit I’ve had my doubts about that for a while now.”

Ethan put his arms around Kipexo’s neck. “Then let’s stay. What we really want is a life together. We can have that here as well as anywhere else.”

“It bothers me that this decision must be made because others demand it. I wanted us to find our own place in the world, not have it thrust upon us.”

“Kipexo… Earth, Raug, Dradaheirn, it doesn’t matter to me. You are my home.” Ethan touched his collar, stroking the medallion at the base of his throat. “Until the day I say ‘stop’, right?”

Kipexo briefly closed his eyes against the burn of tears. “Yes.”

“I will never ever say stop,” Ethan said softly. “I love you, and I love what you’ve done for me, for the other humans, for the Lifreet, everything. I’m so proud to call you my master.”

Kipexo snuffled Ethan’s hair, lost for words and lost in overwhelming gratitude for this soft soul he knew he didn’t deserve.

“Let’s stay,” Ethan continued. “It’s the right thing to do. And I like the Lifreet. I haven’t told you because I know how you feel about them, but I think they’re fascinating and their world is beautiful, like a fairytale. And as long as I have you, I can be happy here.”

“You’re sure?”

“Can you be happy here?”

Kipexo thought about it for a moment. “The Lifreet respect me, and their sovereign is not ashamed to show his gratitude for everything we’ve done for him. I never saw myself as a diplomat, but… I think I can do more good here than I ever did during my time in the Galacorp. And I’ll have you. Forever. That’s more than enough to make me happy.”

“Then I’m sure.”

The finality of that statement sank into Kipexo’s gut, making it churn with nerves as he realized the future of this peace treaty would rely primarily on him. He would be the one to put others in line, to solve disputes, to keep the peace… Could he do it? Did he have what it took to successfully navigate such an important position? So much would rely on him; so many would count on him. What if he failed and singlehandedly started the war all over again?

Ethan nuzzled Kipexo’s neck, turned his head, and planted a soft kiss on his master’s jaw.

Kipexo buried his nose in his Earthling’s hair and breathed deep of his scent. Some of the tension in Kipexo’s body slipped away. Another breath made him unclench his teeth, and a third had him resting his head on Ethan’s shoulder.

“Are you ok?” Ethan asked softly.

“I’m not sure yet,” Kipexo admitted. “I never thought I’d dedicate my future to the species I spent my life despising.”

Ethan was quiet for a moment before asking, “Have you considered talking to Luxtetana about… you know… that day on the asteroid?”

“No. What good would come from bringing up old ghosts?”

“Do you still feel a grudge toward the Lifreet for the death of your squad?”

Kipexo hummed while he thought about it. “Not exactly. Working with the Lifreet has opened my eyes, and I see now that there are no winners in war. There are those who survive, but that’s not winning. War is death, and both sides in a war lose good people who should’ve been allowed to live any other life but one bathed in bloodshed. The lives of my squad were casualties of a war I’m fighting to end, and I wouldn’t be here if that day never happened. If I succeed, I’ll know those lives weren’t lost for nothing.”

“You will succeed,” Ethan said with confidence. “I know you will.”

Kipexo hoped his Earthling was right.

*****

During their usual walk back to Reseila’s ship, Kipexo thought deeply about the Veil’s request, and he formulated a plan. When they stopped before the walkway, he faced Reseila and cleared his throat. “About the Veil’s request.”

“Yes?” Reseila said with a raised brow.

“If they want me to take this position to ensure a smooth transition and continued peace between our people and the Lifreet, then I require a few assurances beforehand.”

“Shouldn’t Luxtetana be here for this discussion?”

“I consider this a personal matter between me and the Veil.”

“Very well,” Reseila said cautiously. “What do you want in exchange for accepting this position, Kipexo?”

“Reethis gets cleared of all charges and gets to keep the Anamafrid.”

She made a face. “I don’t—”

“Cleared,” Kipexo snapped, “of all charges, Reseila. Vroft also gets cleared of any wrongdoing during his time in the HRRA, and he should be seriously considered for the role you spoke of before at the hospital if not for the position of Chief itself. Any pending charges against the humans in my care get dismissed immediately, not that it matters much since I’ll be returning them all the Earth, but it’s the principle of it. And I’d like my rank of Commander to be reinstated before you retire me from service. I won’t end my career in the Galacorp as a traitor.”

Reseila gave Kipexo a pleading look. “The Veil agreed to send me here because they know our backgrounds and they thought you’d trust me the most, but as much as I’m on your side here, Kipexo, I can’t look like I’m bending over backward to give you everything you want. They won’t accept no consequences all around.”

“They will, because you’re going to remind them I have intimate knowledge of our military forces that would be catastrophic in the hands of our enemies should they refuse.”

Reseila tilted her head. “You don’t mean that.”

“Let me put it to you this way, and this is just between you and me: the Lifreet are offering me the chance to spend the rest of my life with my Earthling.” He put a hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “Not the rest of his life, my life. That means hundreds of happy solar cycles with my Ethan. What do you think that’s worth to me?”

A somber look settled in Reseila’s eyes as she looked from Kipexo to Ethan then back at Kipexo. “Everything.”

“Good. You understand. Now go make the rest of the Veil understand and get me what I’ve asked for, for all our sakes. After everything I’ve given up for my people through my many solar cycles of faithful service as well as everything Vesvon and the Veil put me and my Earthling through, this is very little to ask of them in exchange for me taking on this new role.”

She studied him a moment, and her eyes softened in amusement. “You make a damn good negotiator. Perhaps you chose the wrong branch of the Galacorp.”

“I’m figuring all of this out as I go, but the Lifreet have given me one hell of a motivator, which is a lot more than the Veil has ever offered me, so I’ll do what I have to do to protect the ones who stood by my side when our people failed me and mine.”

Reseila nodded in understanding. “I’ll come back with their answer tomorrow.” She shook Kipexo’s hand and walked away.

“Do you think they’ll agree to our terms?” Ethan asked as they watched her head across the walkway.

“I do,” Kipexo replied. “They won’t lose anything by agreeing. Reethis will never let them reclaim the Anamafrid. They know that. Clearing the humans of their charges isn’t an issue since none of them will be returning to Raug to stand trial anyway. Vroft’s involvement with the HRRA will be the only thing they’ll grumble about, but the fact that he helped the abused Earthlings escape should swing his reputation to the right side. He’s a good doctor. They’d be fools not to put his skills to good use. And as far as my rank goes, Reseila herself is in charge of those matters, so the Veil won’t even get a say unless she brings the issue to them herself. They are definitely getting the better end of this bargain.”

Ethan took Kipexo’s hand as they turned and started walking back to their own ship. “We’re doing the right thing.”

“I hope you still feel that way after we explain the situation to Grolpre and Sam.”

Ethan groaned softly, and his shoulders sagged. “Shit.”

Shit indeed.

*****

Back aboard the Anamafrid, the common area was full of cheerful banter and lively games when Kipexo and Ethan walked in. The room was no longer thick with dread and worry, and even the close presence of the Lifreet wasn’t enough to damper the hope that shone in the dozens of smiles around them. Ethan’s friends welcomed them into their activities as they always did, but he waved them off with a tight smile before tapping Sam on the shoulder and leading them off to a private corner of the room. At the same time, Kipexo approached Grolpre where she stood at their usual spot against the wall.

“Walk with me?” Kipexo asked.

Grolpre tilted her head curiously, but she immediately pushed off the wall and followed him out into the hall. They walked in silence for a few minutes while Kipexo found the words to say what needed to be said. This was turning out to be a lot harder than he thought it would be.

“Negotiations are almost over,” he finally said. “Luxtetana and the Veil should be signing an official declaration tomorrow.”

Grolpre smiled. “That’s fantastic news. I hope you realize just how much you’ve helped accomplish here. Ending this war is nothing short of a miracle.”

Kipexo nodded slowly.

She sighed and stopped walking. “Kipexo… just say whatever it is you need to tell me. I can’t stand to see such a troubled look on your face a moment longer.

Kipexo looked at the floor as he said, “Ethan and I… we’re staying on Dradaheirn.”

The silence that fell between them this time was ten times more tense than the one they’d walked in before. When he glanced up at her face, Grolpre’s eyes were wide with shock.

“Oh,” she finally replied. “That… was the last thing I expected to hear.”

“It’s not a certainty yet, we’ll get the Veil’s answer tomorrow, but they’ve made it a condition of the peace treaty. They want me to manage communications between the Lifreet and the Raugon and solve any problems that arise as both sides fall in line.”

“And Ethan is agreeable to this?”

“He is.”

Grolpre took a deep breath in and let it out slowly, then she nodded. “We knew it was a possibility the four of us would be separated. Our Earthlings will no doubt need us more than ever as they adjust.”

Kipexo swallowed. The thought of causing Ethan pain with this separation wounded him deeply, but there was another pain, one just as intense, at the thought of never seeing Grolpre again. She started this adventure with him as a comrade he could confide in, but she’d grown on him into something so much more: a friend, the best kind anyone could ask for. But he’d never felt this way about leaving any of his former friends behind those solar cycles he spent fighting amongst the stars, so what was different this time? Part of him knew but refused to put a name to it.

“We’ll just have to hope the humans of Earth forgive the Raugon someday,” Kipexo said. “Perhaps there will come a time when our Earthlings can comm or even visit each other.”

Grolpre smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Look at you being optimistic.”

He snorted. “Perhaps you’re rubbing off on me.”

Her smile slipped as she looked away. “Well, should we go back? We should make every moment count before… for Ethan and Sam…”

“Sure,” Kipexo replied, but as they retraced their steps back toward the common area, each one felt like a kick straight to his heart.