Captives of the Unknown

By TheRealXenocide

Disclaimer: This story contains plot elements and characters created and owned by Sunrise and/or their successor companies. No permission has been given. No money is being made with this story, and no infringement is intended.

Chapter 9

Elephants

The dinner itself was an odd mix formality and rowdy. Seating arrangements were strictly enforced for the first two courses, after which moving and mingling were not only allowed, but expected. While nobody would dare throw food or drink, loud conversation was expected, and even the occasional short song was allowed. The food was a cross-cultural mix normally reserved for diplomatic or trade negotiations. While the Ctarl chief's attempt at human food was rather bland, it was edible.

The crew of the 'Outlaw Star' were at Lady Raisa Clan-Clan's table along with Aisha's father and Fred. It was here that they learned about the unusual cell they had been kept in. "Many Ctarl-Ctarl embassies have something like that. They are meant for high-level intelligence risks, and their families if necessary." Aisha's father, whom they had learned was called Lord Baki Clan-Clan, explained.

"Families?" Melfina asked.

"I know it seems strange, and maybe even cruel by human standards. But we Ctarl-Ctarl consider it cruel to separate children from non-violent offenders, even if the criminal is a spy, unless other circumstances make it necessary."

"And is it normal to carve these cells out of stone?" Jim asked.

"Actually, it was probably cast from a stone rich blast-crete that we use for prisons."

"If that's what it was, then that stuff's an amazing simulation of real stone."

"But it would explain the oddities we noticed." Suzuka pointed out. "Like how the toilet and sink fixtures were installed."

"And those emitters!" Jim realized. "Yeah, they could have all that stuff set up in the frame of the mold before the pour."

"And in that case, I'm sure that the lack of echo Aisha noticed was no accident, either." Suzuka added.

"You are both correct." Lord Clan-Clan said with a grin.

Later on, Lady Clan-Clan took the opportunity to give Jim and Aisha some necessary information she'd had her medical staff put together. The fact that it would give her a legitimate way to fulfill her parental duty of embarrassing Aisha and Jim was why she chose to do it then. "I hope you don't think that the fact that you're human means you won't be expected to give me grandchildren."

As Jim coughed, Aisha barely prevented spitting out her drink. "Mother!"

"Because while it will be more difficult, it is still possible enough, and I expect you two to give my at least a pair of young to spoil."

Jim had gathered himself by then. Remembering her reaction to Mel, he tried his own version of not showing discomfort. "And how is it you have this information already? We haven't been a couple for very long. Not even the governor knew until that guard smelled me on her."

She smiled. "Actually, it is standard practice for the Ctarl-Ctarl to begin studies about genetic and other biologic compatibilities every time we encounter a new intelligent or semi-intelligent species. The results are in the medical database of every Ctarl-Ctarl medical facility level 3 or larger, as well as every cruiser or larger warship. That data is normally classified as 'Secret', but I have more than enough clearance for it."

That impressed Jim. "Wow. I mean, Aisha said something about that, but it sounds a lot more extensive then I realized."

She nodded. "And since I have high enough clearance to use my own authority to do so, I will give you the data pertaining to Ctarl-Ctarl and Terran coupling before you leave."

"Geez, mom."

"It may be an embarrassing subject, but it is important." She told her daughter. "How else is he to learn that, while he is only half as likely as a Ctarl-Ctarl of similar virility to impregnate you, if he does, it is believed to be twice as likely to be a multiple pregnancy?"

Everyone at their table, and well as the 'Angel Links' officers in earshot, were staring at her by then. "I'm sorry for intruding, but I couldn't help hearing, and I have to ask. Is this a normal subject for Ctarl-Ctarl banquets?" Valeria asked.

"Depends on what you mean by normal." Lady Clan-Clan replied. "Family matters are certainly not off limits."

"But most save pregnancy talk for more private times." Aisha added. "My mother is trying to embarrass us."

"I guess some things about parents are the same, no matter the species." Fred observed. That received a round of acknowledgment.

"Since nobody has asked this yet, I will." Duuz asked. "You're talking about your grown daughter being impregnated by a child."

"Hey! I'm fourteen, not four!"

Duuz held his hand up to forestall further comment. "Relax, kid. I'm not judging. But my training is not just military, but also law enforcement. My point is that, while 13 is legal on Sentinel III for sexual relations, on many terran controlled worlds, like Heifong, the legal age is 16. For that matter, Sentinel won't let them marry until 16. That would put her at risk of some serious jail time on most terran worlds. How does Ctarl law handle this? And if it is legal, what diplomatic safeguards are there for them?"

"Hmm." Lord clan-Clan began, thinking out loud. "Well, among the Ctarl-Ctarl, our laws concerning sexual consent are somewhat more flexible in regards to age. We make allowances for proximity of age, for example." He smiled. "And in Mr. Hawking's case, we have exceptions that can allow him to take some psychological and academic test. If he passes, he would receive the same waiver as somebody who finishes their primary education early."

"The Ctarl make an exception for that?" Valeria asked.

"It was determined wrong for a youngster who has accomplished enough to be expected to have adult responsibilities, like college, a job, or the military, to not be allowed the liberties of their adult peers as well." Lord Clan-Clan replied. "And sex and marriage are only part of it. More important is that they can vote for, or even run for one of the local offices that aren't imperial appointments."

"Okay. I can see the value of that." Duuz acknowledged. "And Mr. Hawking can earn that, even though he isn't Ctarl?"

"If somebody of high enough rank supports it and can justify it, yes." Lady Clan-Clan answered. "And as sixth in line to the throne, I most certainly have the rank. And as it would directly effect a Ctarl-Ctarl, namely my daughter, it would be considered justified."

"But where would he take those tests? Here?" Melfina asked.

"Possible, but I suspect that he would like to study for the academic part of it. And in that case, I think that the embassy on Heifong would be best."

"Hang on." Gene cut in. "Isn't that where that crazy governor is stationed?"

"As soon as he gets back there, he will find an official recall notice waiting for him." She replied with a malicious grin. "As I said before, the theft of the gas has made the Emperor very angry. Former Governor Tam-Tam will be lucky to survive."

Her husband continued. "The emperor will likely be appointing a new governor in a month or two. Meanwhile, the deputy governor will have full authority to run to tests, and arrange the paperwork if he passes. There is, however, a catch."

Jim had liked were the conversation had been going. Now, however. "I should have guessed it wouldn't be all that easy. What's the catch?"

"Yeah, what gives?" Aisha asked

"Simply that it would still be difficult for normal treaties to allow you unwed sex in terran controlled territory." Her mother replied.

"Then what was all that about, hot air?"

Jim, however, got it. "To be sure we're covered by the treaties, we need to be married."

Lady Clan-Clan nodded. "A real, formal marriage is needed. But it doesn't need all the ancient Ctarl-Ctarl extras like mine did. That's only mandatory if two noble houses are involved."

"Really, mother, we only just . . ."

"Aisha." Jim interrupted.

She tuned to him, surprised. Then she saw the serious yet caring look on his face. "Jimmy?"

"Aisha. I admit it's not the timing of my dreams. And I feel like your mother is still playing us in some way. But that doesn't change how I feel for you. I'll do this however you want. But I would be willing to start this today, and marry you as soon as this process allows."

Aisha's face was a mix of surprise and joy. "Oh, Jimmy. I would love that. But I don't want to rush you. I mean, you're normally the most cautious of us."

"That is a truth that should impress upon everyone just how serious this is for him." Suzuka remarked in a voice designed to be heard by both tables."

"Hang on to that thought, partner." Gene said. He then turned to the 'Angel Links' table. "Hey, Duuz. You seem to know the law, can I ask you something?"

"This should be good. What is it?"

"Well, I remember reading somewhere about how ancient sea captains on earth could marry people on their ship if they were in what they called 'international waters'."

Duuz raised his hand. "I see where this is going. And while terran interstellar space law was adapted from international waters law, there are some notable differences. So to answer your real questions. Yes, a spaceship captain can marry people in interstellar space. BUT those marriages are required to follow the laws of the place of registry for the ship AND the place of citizenship of those getting married. And that means that neither you nor any of the 'Angel Links' captains can do it. Mr. Hawking is still too young for those laws to allow it."

"Damn."

Duuz shrugged. "Sorry, but I don't write the law."

"Yeah, I know." He looked back to Jim and Aisha. "Sorry, guys, but it looks like the only way to do this is her way."

"But what about you, Gene?" Valeria asked.

"Hm? Wait, what?"

"Well said." Duuz remarked.

"I'm asking if you and Melfina are married yet." Valeria continued.

"Where did that come from?!" Gene asked.

"We were talking about a marriage. And I remembered seeing a ring on Melfina's finger earlier. But I couldn't tell if it was an engagement ring, wedding ring, or something else."

"Oh, well, that's an engagement ring." Melfina answered.

"Gene wants to wait until he can afford to give Mel a wedding nicer than a trip to the Justice of the Peace." Suzuka added.

"Suzuka . . ."

"But, Gene, I don't need any of that." Melfina said.

"Before you say something you shouldn't, Gene, allow me to make a suggestion." Valeria cut in. "After all, you two spend so much time in space. Why not a space wedding aboard the 'String 1'."

"She's been itching to marry someone since the promotion." Duuz remarked.

"And so you know, captain." Lady Clan-Clan said, addressing Valeria. "Over half of the Ctarl-Ctarl banquets I've been to have included some form of wedding planning done in public."

Valeria smiled. "Good to know I wasn't out-of-line."

"In fact, your idea would also give Mr. Hawking a chance to think about my suggestion." Lady Clan-Clan said.

"That won't be necessary." Jim said. Then he looked at Gene. "You'd better accept Valeria's offer, partner, unless you want me to beat you to it."

"Jimmy?! You mean it?" Aisha asked.

Gene began to smile. "Please don't throw me in the briar patch."

"Huh?"

"I don't know exactly where it started." Fred said. "But as I recall, that phrase comes from an old story, and it is supposed to mean "Please don't make me do that which I most want to be doing". It's a smart-ass way of saying he'll do it."

"Really, Gene?" Melfina asked.

"Yes." Gene looked at her. "As long as you really don't mind."

She shook her head. "I think Valeria's right. A space wedding is prefect for us."

"And Aisha, I . . ."

"Before you do this, James, I have something for you." Suzuka interrupted. She then produced from the folds of her kimono a small box, the style of which almost everyone recognized. "I know you well, James. When you told me how you felt for Aisha, I was certain this time would come. So, just in case you would need it, I had my mother's engagement ring resized for Aisha, and began carrying it with me whenever we weren't on a job." She held up her hand to forestall the questions she knew her student and friend would want to ask. "Don't ask right now, James, I'll explain later. Right now, honor me by using this for the next step of your life."

Jim was silent for a moment. He had seen to ring before, on the small memorial shine she kept for her murdered family. So he knew very well what this meant to her. Finally, he found the words. "Is it possible to be shocked and not at all surprised at the same time?"

"Of course."

"Thank you, Sensei. Suzuka. I have no words for this but thank you."

"All I need is to see you walk this road we both know you need and want to walk."

Jim accepted the box, and advice, with a nod. He then turned to Aisha. Her face was a mix of surprise, joy, anticipation, and worry. Jim gently pulled her by the hands until she stood with him. While the height difference was obvious, nobody spoke as they waited on him. "Aisha, I wanted to give you the nice, long, romantic courtship you deserve."

She placed her finger on her on him lips. "You've been my favorite human for three years. I've been dreaming of this for almost a year. And I think we know each other enough to go ahead with this. So stop stalling, okay?"

He had to chuckle. "Okay, Aisha. But I will do at least this part right." He got on one knee, and looked up at her. "Aisha Clan-Clan." He opened the case to reveal the ring. A simple yet elegant band of white gold, with a three-quarter karat diamond at the top. "Sensei, Suzuka, was right. Our paths seem to have been meant for this moment. Now I ask you to walk the rest of our lives on the same path. Aisha, will you marry me?"

Aisha was smiling from ear to ear. "Even though we Ctarl-Ctarl don't have the bended knee tradition, I know what this means to you. My practical friend might be the most naturally romantic of all of us. I love you, Jim. Yes, of course, I will take you for my mate and marry you."

The rest of the banquet, in addition to the normal proceedings, included making arrangements for Gene and Melfina to be married aboard the 'String 1'. They also began planning for Jim to study for and then take the tests needed to legally marry Aisha under Ctarl law with treaty protection.

By the time the 'Angel Links' fleet, the Ctarl-Ctarl fleet, and the 'Outlaw Star' went their separate ways two days later, Gene and Melfina were officially married. Aisha and Jim spent time with Aisha's parents, and promised to keep in contact via the Ctarl diplomatic missions. And Jim had the study materials he needed for the tests, and well as the promised medical information on Ctarl-Human biological compatibility.

He was surprised, embarrassed, and relieved to see that Aisha's mother had included a practical guide for pleasuring Ctarl women. He had to admit to himself that he had been a bit worried about that. Now he hoped he would know enough to give Aisha what he felt she deserved.