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I wrapped my hand over my eyes but did nothing to stop them falling.
I walked slowly across the field toward an imported chlor’a.
They watched me with interest, chewing at the brushy red plant that grew natively on Enchor’s Heart.
Few creatures could stomach the nutritionless plant but the chlor’a could.
They had seven stomachs and fan-like wings on their backs.
They were big, bulky creatures, with large udders that had no horns.
I gently stroked the chin of the nearest one.
Its nostrils were flared and wet.
It continued to chew morosely, taking no particular pleasure in its meal, and would not have cared even if I gave it a five-star meal.
Still, I was pleased to see them.
They were going about their lives, completely unconcerned with the goings-on of Enchor’s Heart, never mind the greater galaxy.
They were here to eat and that was what they did.
I wiped the tears from my eyes, feeling weak and sluggish as I moved back toward the shuttle.
It was only then I noticed someone watching me.
A young Chi with dark brown baggy shorts and a cloth shirt he had carelessly pulled on.
It was threadbare and so big it swamped him.
It must have belonged to his father.
He just watched me, chewing on a piece of red brush with less relish even than the chlor’a.
I crossed back to my shuttle but did not get back in immediately.
I took a deep breath first.
The cockpit was small and stifling but nothing compared to the meal I would have to partake in that evening.
I would have to smile, converse, greet my guests, and pretend Sleii’s business plan was the genuine reason I had asked them there.
I would have to come up with some other excuse too, make it an anniversary celebration of some kind.
Perhaps since I had become governor?
It had been five years, after all.
I let out another breath before climbing into the shuttle cockpit.
I flew back toward the city, toward my duties, and, unbeknownst to me, toward a new future.
The evening wentoff without a hitch.
I was grateful Sleii was in attendance to explain to my guests in more detail about the business proposition.
It took most of the attention away from me.
