Chapter One
Evex Ein
“We’re approaching the landing port,” Lieutenant Draxel reported.
“Good. Let’s get this over with. I don’t see what Councilor Vilox could have to say that is different than the last meetings with the humans. They are all talk and no action; it is exhausting,” I said looking out over the city of Menkara. I was more interested in the fun that I could have in the city; even with the Itions facing segregation in the city, it was still a fun place.
The ship landed, and we filed out of the ship down the ramp. Two of my soldiers and my trusted lieutenant followed me. There was a line of armed humans waiting for us.
“Leader Ein. I am Officer Teson. I am to lead you and your crew to the meeting,” he said.
“Yes, yes, as always, let’s go,” I said looking at the small human male. They were nothing compared to us Itions who were an average of seven and a half feet, with royal blue skin. We were far superior to them in technology and intelligence.
We followed the armed group as they walked in front of us with the other half walking behind us. I wasn’t sure if it was to protect us from hostile humans that hated us, or if it was because they didn’t trust us. It didn’t matter either way.
Walking across the landing port to the alley that led us out into the city, I looked up into the sky at the flying vehicles, the floating buildings, and the gray pollution that rose from all of it. The humans had always abused their planet, choosing to use technology that was dirty, even when a clean alternative was available. This made no sense to me, but then again, they were of lesser intelligence.
We walked down the high walls of the corridor that led us into the city. Some turned to look at us; others didn’t care. We were heading for the council building and seeing Itions in this busy city was fairly normal, even if it was disliked.
“Welcome, Leader Ein,” Councilor Vilox said as we walked into the vast council room chambers. It was on the top floor of the building, taking up most of the floor with views on all sides. The Earth Council was gathered, a group of twenty or so human men.
“Thank you, Councilor Vilox,” I said with a nod.
We took our place at a large round table. We had been doing these meetings for several years and I was there to represent the Alva Clan of Itions. Other clan leaders had their own meetings, separate from each other, as the clans didn’t exactly get along.
“Shall we get started?” Councilor Vilox said.
I nodded in agreement, as did the human men.
“We’ve called this meeting to once again discuss the Ition weapons within range of Earth’s moon. We once again request that the Itions pull that weapon out of range and out of our solar system,” Councilor Vilox said. “The request is officially entered.”
“Leader Ein, your response?” the moderator said. All human eyes turned to me.
“It is the same as the meeting six months ago. We need that weapon to protect our trading paths, not to threaten the humans. As you know, the species of Bindor and Canera that the humans also trade with from the Heshian Galaxy have made threats that they will hijack our merchant ships or aim hostilities toward them. Our weapons are only there to prevent them from doing that,” I said.
“We have heard your explanation, Ein, but on closer inspection, it seems your weapon is aimed directly at our moon’s base, not your trading paths,” Vilox said.
“That is not true. Perhaps your inspection is wrong. That would not be the first time that humans have looked at the wrong end of the stick when the Itions are involved,” I said with a smug smile.
There was commotion in the room as they all spoke to each other. I was trying to keep myself from bursting into laughter. Of course their inspection was correct, but it didn’t matter. They wouldn't do anything about it. The humans did everything possible to prevent hostilities between humans and other alien races. This resulted in these meetings that had absolutely no outcome other than to make the human council feel that they were being productive.
This meeting was no different. I watched as the humans pulled up my weapon base that was floating in range of their moon and outlined the path of it and the direction and more. I had seen it all before. It was tedious and boring. I only showed up to the meetings because if I didn’t, they would see it as an act of aggression. Instead I was there to assure them that I was a friend of the humans… and by the night’s end, I hoped to be very friendly with one human in particular.
The meeting ended on the same note as the last meetings, until next time. Which meant in another six months. We filed out of the room along with the human councilors. I shook hands with many of them, exchanging pleasantries.
After the meeting, I went through the same routine that we always did. We hired a few flying vehicles and set out to the apartments we had available for our stay when we were in the city. They were located in an Ition building, where only Itions were allowed to reside and not humans. They were very strict with the segregation. As soon as I walked into my living quarters, my bounty hunter was waiting for me.
“What do you have to report? Did you find her?” I asked as I walked in and poured myself a glass of what the humans called wine.
“Yes. The red-haired woman is at the address you gave me. She lives there. She often stands on her large terrace at night. She seems to live alone,” he said.
“Good. Thank you, William,” I said.
I nodded at Lieutenant Draxel. Draxel moved to a chest on the table and pulled out a small gold bar and handed it to the human.
“William, why do you do it? Work with the Itions? With me?” I asked.
“For this,” he said holding the gold. “There is an entire underground network that works providing the Itions with what they want. It is going to happen anyway; why shouldn’t I get a piece of the pie,” he said as he turned and headed for the door.
“I will contact you should I need your services again,” I said smiling at him. A human man that spoke only profit was a man I could admire. I liked him that way. It was straightforward and easy to control. All I had to do was throw gold at it, and I had the information I needed.
“Make sure my flying vehicle is fully charged for this evening and that my ship is ready to launch back to the mothership tonight. I am just going to pick up a treat for myself before launch. For now, I will eat supper and take a short nap,” I said to Draxel.
“Yes, Ein,” he said and left to make sure dinner was brought to me and to carry out the rest of the orders.
Later that night, I set out on the hunt.
I took a flying vehicle into the night and hovered near the building. I saw her immediately. She was standing on the terrace in a flowing white dress. It caught in the wind. Her red hair was pulled into a high ponytail and whipped around her. She looked proud and confident. She looked down at the city below her. Then I noticed something strange. She moved inside and pulled out a chair. That was when I realized that she was going to jump.