The speaker was about to begin an angry retort, when I cut him off. “I’m also curious as to your relationship with your own people. I hadn’t realized you were an oppressive governing body.”
“What!” he spluttered, “That’s outrageous. How dare you!”
“Hey, hey, hey,” I said, calmly raising my hands up in a submissive gesture. “It was you who said you’d not allow your people to travel freely, which, by the way, nearly all the other council members seemed to agree with.
“Don’t be too saddened. I hear it’s almost impossible for power not to corrupt, even for the pure souls of Veiletians.”
There was a gasp at that statement. Ember glared at me. Havok laughed his ass off. I think I must have overstepped the mark. Thankfully, Kalika intervened and saved me from my own mouth. “I’m sure Councilor Mirlek misspoke. We do not, in fact, prevent our people from exercising their freedoms. We only seek to protect them from the cruelties that various other members of the galaxy wish to inflict upon our race. Despite that rather indelicate sorting of prospective candidates, I do see the merit in its efficiency. I am also impressed that you have handed over the finer details of the interview process to our Elyek. You seem to be at least aware of your own shortcomings. I find myself both insulted and impressed by your straightforwardness. Perhaps, an ally who is so direct will be beneficial to our Veiletian council, who are by nature, indirect,” Kalika chuckled.
“Listen, we’re happy to be your ally, but I have to ask: can we take everyone that’s left after Elyek’s interviews? I promise we’ll look after them like our own. We will return when we can so you can see they are safe and happy to continue as part of the Uprising crew.”
I could sense angry responses building in various councilors. Again, Kalika calmed them down. “It is not what we agreed, Captain Shaun. However, there really isn’t any valid reason to begrudge this request. Although you will have to move in smaller groups, and you must promise to care for our people. We are placing much trust, and dare I say hope, that you can help change the fortunes of the Veiletian people.”
“I totally promise that. And thank you for your faith in us.”
“I hope so,” they said, thoughtful.
I felt an increase of pressure on my shoulders at our exchange of words. With that agreed, I wandered over to the corner where Elyek was conducting the interviews. I sat in a chair listening to them speak, but staying out of it as much as I could. I didn't want to seem overbearing.
To their credit, Elyek didn’t mess about either; they made it through the interviews in 20 minutes. After the last person, they turned to me. “Excuse me, Captain. I have gone through all of the candidates, and it is a strong group. I have written down some of the basic strengths and weaknesses of each individual. From this, I will help you select the most suitable from the list.”
“Could you not pick six from this group?” I asked.
“No. It is going to be a tough process to whittle it down, I’m afraid.”
“No need then,” I smiled, and spoke to the remaining group. “The good councilors here, have just given me permission to offer you all a place on board the Uprising. Welcome to the gang!” I said, happily.
“Glad to have you all with us,” Ember shouted joyously.
Calparr just nodded stoic acceptance, which was cool, as well.
Looking at the group of Veiletians, their expressions ranged from pleased and excited to sudden nervousness. And they should be nervous, I thought, we definitely weren't a pleasure cruise ship. “So, all that’s left for you to do is make ready to leave. We won't hurry you all on this. We understand you’ll have loved ones that you wish to say goodbye to and personal affairs to take care of. Still, if you could give us a rough idea on how long you think you’ll all need before you leave?”
No one spoke for a moment. They all looked almost afraid of me. Finally, one of them plucked up the courage: a small Veiletian with vibrant red hair said, “I can go today if you wish. I keep a few possessions that I can grab quickly.”
This started a cascade of replies. Many said today. A few said tomorrow. No one said longer, from what I could hear.
“We can wait until tomorrow, then. If that’s what suits?”
“That may be unwise,” Kalika said. “When we originally agreed on ten recruits, it was actually for a good reason. So many cannot traverse Arus together: that would make a huge space filled with invisible Veiletians. Accidents would occur. The most we normally take out at one time is ten citizens. We can increase that number a little, but 22 people, invisible or not, would prove impossible to hide.”
“Gotcha. That's a very good point, elder. Well, how about we take 11 back with us to the ship today and collect the other 11 tomorrow?”
“I could stay behind and take the others tomorrow,” Elyek interjected. “It will be nice to spend another night here. I never thought I'd see this place again.”
“Sure. Of course,” I said. “That sounds like the perfect compromise.”
“Yes. We would be satisfied with that division and plan,” Elder Kalika said, then added: “Sort out among you the 11 who will go today.”
Ember and I spent the following hours in our room. I wanted to be out of the way while those coming with us got themselves prepared. The following days would be spent trying to remember everyone's names, so as not to be a dick. Luckily, the Veiletians had quite a bit of diversity among them in appearance. Their looks ranged from masculine
