37: Meet The Presidents

Life under the microscope begins the next day. It starts with an order for Captain Kilani. His orders are to retrieve the flight recorder from the crashed science vessel, and if possible, a copy of the crashed Malyon war bird's recorder. Interview all surviving science vessel crew and any surviving Malyon war bird crew that will allow themselves to be interviewed.

The flight recorder is retrieved from the Encounter, RMC-1970 and the interviews are begun when another transmission is received by War Cry, CLA-1986 for the captain. This order requests a physical and psychological work up of each human/Malyon couple. It also request the leaders of this unique community where humans and Malyons co-exist peacefully, be asked to meet Earth's seven presidents via space link transmission.

"Which would you like us to do first," Evan asks the captain, "physicals, psych profiles or meeting of your presidents?"

"The Presidents," Captain Kilani needs Eve and Evan to do that first, "if another couple would be kind enough to submit to the physical exam first."

Veioray and Erin step forward and nod.

"Thank you," the captain shaking Veioray and Erin's hand, "And a couple for the psych profiles."

Vor and John step forward, with their new son, Vohn, sleeping on John's shoulder and nod. The captain thanks them.

"We know our cooperation is necessary," Dr. Matos with an arm around Andon and a hand on her swollen stomach.

"It's our only protection," Ben's face sober, "If we don't cooperate, we'll be suspect. It would be assumed we're hiding something."

"It sounds as if this was discussed," Captain Kilani concerned.

"What bothers me," Eve expressing herself, "is the fact it had to be discussed. And we're going to let you know if we feel our privacy is being invaded."

"Of course," Captain Kilani nodding.

"Then we're ready," Evan standing.

The captain gives the order for everyone needed to be transported aboard. Aboard the War Cry, Erin and Veioray go with Dr. Black to the medical bay for physical exams. John and Vor go with the ship's psychiatrist to begin psych profiles. Eve and Evan follow Captain Kilani and Commander Bigbear to what is obviously a meeting room. There is an incomplete oval of tables and chairs that is open at both ends. Captain Kilani goes to one of the front seats and flips around the tabletop computer and hits some keys.

"Yes, Captain," says a voice.

"Is our line secure," asks Captain Kilani.

"Yes, Captain," the voice answers.

"Thank you, Ensign."

"Aye, Captain."

"Open view screen," Bigbear looking confident, "View screen on."

Eve and Evan stand together off to the side yet behind the captain and commander. They watch wall panels slide open to reveal a huge view screen flickering to life. Both Captain Kilani and Commander Bigbear, look back at them and give reassuring confident smiles.

"Greetings from Earth Captain Kilani… Commander," the Presidents seated in two tiers. The bottom tier has four Presidents while the top tier has three.

"Greetings Presidents of Earth," Kilani takes a step forward, "Greetings from the planet Malivork of the Ralos System. I know you've heard of the unique community here on Malivork, a community where humans and Malyons coexist peacefully. And I am delighted to..."

"Captain," President Manhunter of the North American continent interrupts, "Where is Commander Benjamin Johnson. We were told he's a member of this community as well as an advisor."

"Yes," Captain Kilani confirms, "that's true. But as you were informed, he is an advisor. I have here with me the founders of this unique community, who are also its leaders."

It starts with President VonLichki from the continent of Europe, "you're not referring to those two young people behind you?"

"Yes," is all Kilani gets out and all seven Presidents are talking at once. "We asked for leaders and they bring us children." "Is this some sort of joke?" "What a waste of time." "They're barely out of diapers."

"Please," Kilani trying to get their attention, "Initially we were as surprised as you."

"Presidents," Bigbear tries too, "Please, President Manhunter… President Tsutu… President Chang…"

A hand on the shoulder of Commander Bigbear calms him and he steps back as Eve steps forward with Evan. Next she lays a hand on the shoulder of Captain Kilani and he takes a step back.

"These are the supposedly distinguished Presidents of Earth," Eve announces and the Presidents start to quiet, "Simply shameful. These leaders are your hope for peace?"

"You would think educated representatives entrusted with such great responsibility would be more open-minded and mature," Evan standing beside Eve, "This is very disappointing."

With the Presidents quiet, "It is my pleasure to introduce Eve Starlight Johnson and her life-mate, Evan Eknor Ayah," Kilani getting it all out in one breathe.

"They are the founders of the unique community as well as its leaders," Commander Bigbear adds.

"It's strange to hear ourselves referred to as leaders," Eve looking up into Evan's eyes.

"We simply wanted to be together," Evan adds, "Our goal was to be together and provide a warm loving environment to raise our child in."

"You have a child together," a surprised President of Australia.

"A five year old son," Evan well pleased with their little family.

"And one on the way," Eve resting her hands on her swelling tummy.

"We were told there were couples," President Chang.

"Our reports are not yet complete," explains Captain Kilani.

"Children," President Manhunter says thoughtfully.

From there, the rest of the meeting goes well. Eve and Evan even receive an apology from the Presidents for their rude behavior. And all the Presidents were visibly impressed with Eve and Evan. But that's just the first of many meetings for Eve and Evan. Winning over the Presidents of Earth won't be enough. They have two whole planets of people to convince humans and Malyons can coexist peacefully; plus, colonies. Colonies where peace is mostly a forgotten concept.