Page 93 of Right Next Door
It was Tsok’s turn to hold his silence as he considered the senior’s words. Mandatory scanning was a bit extreme. No other planet that allowed True Match to operate on their soul had even considered that. And, he was sure, very few, if any, others would.
It would be a task of considerable scale. Making enough True Match locations on Kree to serve the entire population alone would take years. Then, there would have to be a period afterwards, between them all being active and a new, mandatory law going into effect, to allow people the chance to get scanned. Not just the initial rush of those scanning after a location opened, but a warning to everyone else before any new laws went into effect.
And there would be push back. It didn't matter what people believed – if they were for or against mating. There would inevitably be those that would be annoyed that they were being forced to be scanned regardless of what side of the argument they fell on. For those, there would have to be some kind of penalty for not being scanned. Which meant there would need to be funds allocated to find and enforce those penalties.
It was a lot. The tradition changes Tsok was seeking to implement were all cultural. Almost no government oversight or funding would be needed aside from publishing and publicizing their relationship – something the media was already doing anyway. Boktare’s condition, however, was something that would require a great deal of work and oversight.
Although, it was all work that the seniors and workers would need to do. Tsok, as char, wouldn’t actually need to be involvedin any of it. Boktare wasn’t givinghima chore to do, he was explaining his conditions for agreement.
“That won’t be easy,” Tsok finally said.
“I’m aware.” Boktare inclined his head in acknowledgement. “But I think it’s the best option. If everyone knows their mate before they meet, there won’t be any accidents. Let me correct myself: there will be farlessaccidents. I’m not so foolish to think it can be abolished completely. But with this as a safety measure, the majority should be prevented.”
Tsok nodded once. “I would be willing to go along with this and promote it as the correct path forward. If our people still have the option to mate if they so choose.”
“And I would be willing to endorse that choice if it is made carefully and consensually.”
The two of them shared a long look. Tsok felt something, at long last, settle between them. They both grinned at each other. The satisfaction of a deal well struck humming in the air.
“And I think I know just the couple to start off this wonderful plan,” the Imperium declared, finally breaking their long silence with a happy chirp of their combot.
Everyone in the room turned to face them. Almost surprised. They had been so silent, it was easy to forget they were still sitting there.
Before Tsok could recover and actually decipher what they said however, Misty was already leaning forward, looking over to them.
“You don’t mean us, do you?” She asked, pointing between herself and Tsok.
“Who better?” The Imperium asked happily. “Tsok is supposed to represent all kreecharma. He is the very ideal of atraditional, proper kreecharma male. If he starts this new tradition, others will certainly follow.”
“That’s a marvelous idea,” Tsok beamed, excitement rushing up his chest, setting him ablaze with excitement. He turned to Boktare. “Does this suit you?”
The older male thought for a moment before grunting in agreement. “I should like to be involved in the planning process. And we’ll need to promote it. Very publicly.”
“We can make sure the people learn all of our old traditions,” Tsok looked at Davard. “It can be presented to them as a revival of what was old, combined with what will be new.”
“I think that’s a wonderful idea,” Davard said, excitement lighting him up. “I would be quite happy to put something together. Like a documentary or something like that. It can be broadcasted far before your wedding itself, to get the people excited. We can document all the different parts of the party planning as well. To continue to build excitement.”
“That could work,” Boktare said, a smile forming. “The more people are excited about this-”
“-the more likely they are to do it,” Tsok finished eagerly. He turned. “Misty, what do you-… Misty?”
His female was giving him a withering look. Her arms were crossed, her expression cold. Even as his question fizzled off, her brow popped. “Oh, are we asking me now?”
The harsh edge to her voice brought silence and stillness back to the room. Everyone present looked at her, motionless, as her eyes narrowed on him. Waiting for his response. And Tsok felt like he was suddenly standing underneath an ax that was ready to fall. He could see it in her eyes. The sharp edge, the threat, waiting for his answer to determine his fate.
Tsok thought quickly. Running back through the conversation. The one that just made him so excited. If he could marry his female, if he had Boktare’s permission, then he could mate her. He could claim her as a kreecharma male should.
That was what they both wanted, he thought. Wasn’t that why he had been so determined to get her to admit she was his mate, and why she had been so determined to refuse him? He had the ability to give her what she wanted now. So, why was she upset?
He took too long to respond – and that was the wrong response.
Misty huffed, getting to her feet “Whatever. You all have fun planning my wedding. I’m going to go get ready for my clients tomorrow.”
“Misty-” Tsok tried to reach for her, but she neatly dodged his hand.
“Don’t let me disturb you,” she said primly. “You boys have a lot to do.”
With that, she flounced from the room. Hair bouncing in its tail, boots striking hard against the marble tiles. Tsok watched her go, very confused about what to do. That was clearly her refusing to see or talk to him right now, but he felt like he should probably go after her.
