Page 28 of Indentured Companion
“I would.” Olphan answers firmly.
“As would I.” Justina agrees.
“I think we would all say the same.” One of Pharom’s tentacles snaked over the rim of his tank. “However, at the time that the bill was to be discussed, you were without a feeding companion, and therefore, you were not deemedsafeto have on sitetoattend congress.”
“As you are all aware? That has now changed.” I declare with pride.
“Yes. We all saw that littleshowyou and your pet put on.” Getrata’s left head sneered. I growl, surprising even myself, and have to reign myself in. Justina flinched, and Olphan leaned forward to narrow his dark eyes on me.
“With all due respect? Miss Stone is my feeding companion, not my pet. She deserves no less respect than any of us.” At that, Justina and Pharom seemed to curve their lips with a smile. “I care a great deal for her-” Justina even seemed to ‘aww’ under her breath. “-and we Korvis hold the relationship we share with our companion as a matter of deep trust and honour. I have and will continue to weather disrespect, prejudice, and outright hate, but I willnottolerate the same aimed towardsher.”
“Would you prefer I call her your indentured servant, then? Since that’s what she is?” Getrata’s right head sniggered. “Deep trust and honour my arse. She signed a contract and will be paid for her obedience and service.” That stung. He’s technically not wrong, but that’s not the whole truth either. Not anymore.
“I was under the impression that the Caste system of the Theskian Empire, and the institution of the Indentured Servitude Services, was the foundations of Theskian society and hierarchy?” I counter smoothly. “Are you therefore telling me, that you disagree with the use of Indentured Servants Councillor? Or that this is not a meaningful method of employment?” I smirk, my diamond pupils dilated with the thrill of the hunt, as I make the Prelka Councillor sweat on both his brows.
“I hope that isnotyour opinion Getrata? Since you happen to have, what,fourIndentured Servants in your household?” Ninthor sniggers, and that surprises me. Normally the insectoid sides with the Prelka against me.
“As servants, yes.” He tries to defend himself. “They know their place, and we do not have ‘relationships’ with them.”
“And are you therefore saying, that it is impossible to respect and care for an indentured servant?” I continue to back Getrata into a corner for the others to turn on.
“N-not like you are trying to suggest!” He snarls with both mouths, in too deep to back track, and I grin. He just started to dig his own hole. “They are nothing more than servants bought at market!”
“Then you are alone in that opinion, I’m sure. I met my husband through Indentured Servitude in our household as an apprentice.” Justina scowled. “We now have four children together.”
“Youmustbe aware that Indentured Servants are vital surrogates for my people? Mothering our infants?” Pharom angrily slapped his tentacles on the water’s surface, and looked like he would drag himself out of his tank to constrict around the Prelka, had they been in the same room. “Mymotherhappens to have been an Indentured servant!”
“Ay. A Sacron, if I remember correctly.” Olphan lowered all four arms with his hands in tight blue fists. “As is the nanny to my many babes. The Indentured Servitude system keeps our economy, and our multi-cultural society, working towards prosperity and cohabitation. Not to mention, long lasting employment and connections.”
I sit back, my hands cupped on my lap, and enjoy the discord I have just conducted. My Queen will be pleased when I tell her how much ground I’ve gained for the Korvis today. The Prelka grunts an apology, unable to take the united criticism of his peers.
“I agree with your view of Indentured Servants. It is only through this system, that I met Miss Stone, and I care for her a great deal. She accompanies me in all my dealings, and would be by my side, if you were to allow me to represent the Korvis and discuss the bill to allow my admission at congress?” I appear at ease, but on the inside I am anxious. All this will be for nothing, if they don’t allow me entry to the council debate chambers. Previously, my lack of feeding companion had them united in refusing my admission to even the conversation about my membership to the council. Now that I have Valerie, have I done enough groundwork with them to change their minds?
“As long as you have Miss Stone with you, I see no reason to deny the Dynast the right to represent his people, when this bill concerns his entire race.” Justina smiles, and I am quite sure I have a yes vote from her already. Humans love social media, and my interview with Valerie positively increased public opinion of the Korvis. She also seems to react positively when I talk about how I care for Valerie. I must remember that.
“I second that.” Pharom nods, settling back into his tank and bows his head to the screen. Good. Another potential supporter there. His mother was an Indentured Servant, and his species rely more heavily on them for breeding than the Korvis will. He is another potential supporter.
“I also think he should attend, though you must understand, we will have to increase security accordingly, and your movement within the council building will be limited.” Olphan nods, and I bow my head to him as I did the others. He is ever cautious, but that is still enough support to get me into the debate. 3 out of 5 is enough. If I can get these three Councillors to approve my admission as well, that is enough. My chest swells with joy. This is the first step towards a brighter future for my people.
“Of course. I will adhere to any security measures you see fit and fair.” I bow my head again.
“As long as you do, there is no reason to deny the Dynast’s request.” Ninthor pursed his pale lips together, and his shimmering wings flexed restlessly behind him. He wasn’t happy with this development, but he was at least being reasonable about it.
“I want to go on record saying that I do not agree, and this is a terrible idea.”
“Noted.” Olphan answers Getrata, and then snaps his head back to the screen at the sound of the door to my office opening. I look up over the row of screens and smile at the sight of Valerie.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I thought you’d be done by now.” She chuckles nervously with her hands up and starts to back up.
“That’s quite alright, Miss Stone.” I chuckle, and roll my wrist for her to come closer. She is fully dressed in one of her thick wolly sweaters she likes to wear in between feeds, and it comes down to her mid thigh. This one is red with black spots on it, and her thermal leggings are black. “Would you like to meet my dear feeding companion?” I offer to the council and Justina’s reaction is both predictable, and endearing.
“I would be delighted to meet her.” Justina leans closer to her screen as if it was a window she could peer around. In fact, everyone appears curious to meet Valerie. Getrata sneers bitterly with both his faces, but doesn’t voice any reluctance to meet her.
“Oh, erm, aren’t these like, really important people you’re talking to?” She strains an awkward smile.
“The Theskian Councillors.” I chuckle at her comically shocked expression. “Come now Miss Stone? We both know you arenotshy.”
“Well,no,but I’m also not a politician either. What if I fu-er-screw up?”
