Page 49 of Alien Peacock

She shyly walks in the door, returning my smile and giving everyone a little wave. “Hi.”

“There you are,” I greet her. “You must be hungry, and that Bululg ship doesn’t make the best food. We have better stuff here. Cerak, would you be so kind?”

“You’re being polite, all of a sudden. I wonder why.” The robot rolls over to the kitchen area.

I stretch my wings, having sat still for too long. “I think we’re finished for now. We’ll launch the war when you return, Peroena.”

Peroena gets up. “I will take my ship and go check on the soldiers that are training at Vareo. Will they be needed on your mission to Sprenk, Supremacy?”

“Probably not,” I quickly decide. “I want to save them for the main landing on Eo. I don’t want them risking their lives for other causes than the freedom of Eo itself. The archmagus can’t expect me to bring an army to Sprenk. Maeve, we have a chair that should suit you better than these other ones.”

Virlu quickly brings the chair over. “A chair is a piece of furniture for humanoids to sit on. It provides a seat for one person, as opposed to a bench or a couch. Most chairs have a seat, a backrest, and legs.” He sets it down on the floor beside me. It’s a military-style foldable that is designed to suit several sizes and configurations of limbs.

“Thank you, Virlu,” Maeve says and gingerly sits down. “That’s very kind of you.”

Virlu stands there and stares at her. “Beauty is a subjective concept that mostly concerns aesthetics, both visual and auditory. Often, a harmony of grace, refinement, and sophistication can be said to be beautiful. It is culturally dependent?—”

“Yes, thank you, Virlu,” I say with some sharpness. “Maeve knows she’s beautiful. There’s no need to embarrass her.”

“Thank you, Virlu,” Maeve says with a sweet smile. “Itisculturally dependent. For instance, on Earth, you would be considered a beauty. Many of us really like strong males.”

Virlu’s jaw drops, revealing fangs that I didn’t even know he had. “J-joy is a feeling of d-deep happiness and delight,” he stutters. “Often, surprise is an element of joy and strengthens the emotion.”

I chuckle at his confusion. “I think you just made a friend, Maeve. Anyway, we’re just finishing up here. Peroena, do you need anything from me?”

She thinks about it. “Record some words of encouragement and confidence, Supremacy? That I can show the soldiers to strengthen their resolve? It’s not that they need it. But they should be as motivated as possible, this close to the final battle.”

“Good point,” I tell her. “I sometimes wonder what good thing I did in my life to be able to recruit you to my cause, Peroena. You have been entirely loyal, even when everything looked dark. Without you, I would have no army to fight with.”

The strangest thing happens: General Peroena, veteran commander of several battles and a one-time death commando,blushes. “Thank you, Supremacy. I only work for what I know to be right for Eo and its people.”

“As do we all,” I tell her. “I shall record a message now. Maeve, eat something in the meantime. You’ve been asleep for nearly twelve hours.”

“Sorry,” she says. “It’s the first time since the Bululg invasion I’ve slept in a truly safe place.”

Peroena goes over and takes her hand. “From what I hear about you and your Resistance movement, I would hate to be on the opposing side. I think your planet will soon be free and safe again.”

Maeve puts her hand on Peroena’s. “Thank you. I think you’re right.”

I get the feeling that an immense amount of meaning and understanding passes between the two females as they look into each other’s eyes, but I have no idea what exactly it is they understand.

I leave them to their mysterious ways, go to the art exhibition, pick an artwork as background, and record a suitably motivating speech for my soldiers, emphasizing the great work that lies ahead to return Eo to its freedoms and its prosperity. When that’s done, I hand the data crystal to Peroena. “I hope that keeps them strong. We shall stay in touch, General. You are the life and soul of our army.”

She salutes tightly. “Yes, Supremacy.” She leaves the common room, heading for her gunship.

Maeve stares after her. “That’s an unusual general.”

“Probably the best Eo has seen,” I tell her. “Don’t be fooled by her beauty and grace! She has a great strategic mind, and I rely on her to plan the final battle. We shall soon see her again.” I look around the room. “Virlu, Sponz. Nobody expects you to risk your life on a planet that’s not your own. I may not survive the fight ahead. Tell me how I can reward you for your friendship, before it’s too late!”

Virlu bares his fangs and lays his ears back. “Friendship is a close personal relationship between two or more people,” he snarls, “characterized by mutual affection, trust, and loyalty! It is entered into freely and without any expectation of rewards or payment!” His fur bristles, making him look twice as wide.

I lift my hands and take a step back. I’ve never seen him angry before. “Of course, Virlu! I expected no less. I’m sure you’ll be a great asset in the fight.”

He visibly calms down. “Worry for the well-being of a friend is a natural emotion among sentients. It’s especially common when that friend is entering a dangerous situation and may include feelings of sadness, fear, or great unease.”

“I understand, Virlu. I appreciate your concern. Keep in mind that I’m doing this for the people of Eo and that if I perish, it shall be while doing something vitally important. It’s not a bad way to go!”

“I sincerely hope you will be victorious quickly,”Sponz breezes. “I shall do what I can for your cause in other places than Eo.”

---