Reclamation

Aria kept her eyes straight ahead as she followed the Shessel through the domed rooms. The oxygen pack dragged at her sore shoulders and the breathing mask itched where it pressed against her temples, and she wanted to tear the gel off her skin. Ere kept swiveling her eyes back toward Aria in a manner Aria could have sworn was furtive, but she couldn't tell who the child was afraid for, Aria or herself.

They reached the chamber where the Vitae waited. It was Basq again, and Round One from the bus. The webwork of steel and gel that housed the two Vitae made them look for all the world like they were in a cage. The sight gave Aria some slim measure of satisfaction.

Basq stood near the membrane and his eyes glittered as he saw Aria move to stand beside the Shessel.

"Thank you for bringing our artifact, Sar Gov," said Basq. "The Vitae will remember that the Shessel honored and respected the process of reclamation."

"That has not yet been determined," said Gov. "There are conflicting legalities and there is a charge to be leveled." He dropped one of his lower hands and stroked Ere's neck. "There have been numerous developments since your delegation spoke to us this morning."

"This morning?" Basq repeated. "No delegation was sent this morning."

"But we received one," said Gov. "Two Vitae and their children, asking for custody of the parent Aria Stone. Since then, Kivshakadene has died. Ereri claims it was murder and lays responsibility at the door of the Rhudolant Vitae. Our laws are clear. No business can be done with any corporation or individual who endangers or injures the child of a Shessel parent." He paused. "This includes the exchange of property."

Basq stiffened minutely. "No Vitae delegation was sent. I am set to oversee this matter. If members of the Rhudolant Vitae have violated Shessel life or tew, they will be brought to trial and conviction. We will investigate this matter as far as we can. I am sure we both need to contact our voices within the Kethran Diet. What we ask in return is good faith from you, that you return our property."

Ere whistled sharply and grabbed Gov's secondary arm with three of hers. "But how have they laid claim?" she demanded, pointing toward the Vitae with her free hand. "All they say is that their ancestors came from this place. Well, my ancestors came from the Si-Tuk province, yet for three-quarters of a century, they vigorously contested our enclave's right to return there." She extended herself to her fullest height and turned all her eyes towards the Vitae. "I have named Aria Stone my protector, in front of witnesses, and unless you can lay claim to me, too, you cannot have her."

Basq looked down at the child and then up at the full-grown Shessel. "This is a matter beyond personal…"

"It was," said Gov. "Kivshakadene's death drops it to exactly a personal grievance and Ere is her family's voice. When we have established communications with the Emissary's Council, we may all be ordered to do differently, but that is hours away yet. Your good faith would be best indicated if you began these investigations you insist will occur."

"Our Ambassadors are already conferring with your enclave," said Basq, staring straight at Aria. "The countermand may come at any time."

"Then you will find we are obedient to the judgment of the Enclave of the World," said Gov. "Until then, to the Shessel Aria Stone is a free parent of free children.

"We ask you to leave our Embassy."

Basq did not incline his head or make any other gesture of respect, he just turned and left. Aria heard her own breathing through the mask, harsh and heavy.

The Shessel was studying her.

She shifted her weight and tried not to scratch at the gel pressing into her pores.

Nameless Powers preserve me, I should be used to this. Enough people have stared at me since I left home.

"What will you do if I leave?" Aria asked.

Gov's whole body rippled. "We are not the ones who have claim upon you. We could make you stay, I suppose, but not legally, according to the legalities of the moment, unless Ereri keeps you protectorate-bound for that." His back two eyes retracted. "I personally would be glad to see you gone, just because those murderers want you here."

Ere tilted her head and eyes to look directly at Aria. "Where would you go if I broke bond?"

"Home, to my family and my own children. We have the Unifiers and the Vitae going to war over us. We need to make a stand against them."

Ere extended herself, arms, legs, eyes, and neck. "Then I release you. You are no more protector."

Aria smiled and knelt in front of Ere. "I hope that is not true, Little One." She stroked the child's neck briefly and felt the living flesh ripple under her hand. Her mind didn't see Ere's alien shape. She saw Little Eye and Storm Water and Roof Beam and Hill Shadow. It hurt to make herself stand up and shake clear that vision.