Page 17 of The First Child
“Perhaps standard protocol requires updating,” Sylas replies smoothly. “Aniska represents the future of human-Zephyrian cooperation. Her care should reflect that collaborative spirit.”
Dr. Vasquez activates her own holographic display, showing charts and data streams that mean nothing to me but apparently carry significant weight with the scientific representatives. “The Europa Station research facility offers resources that simply cannot be replicated on a frontier colony. Advanced monitoring equipment, access to the galaxy’s foremost experts in hybrid development, controlled environmental conditions that would allow us to map her abilities without interference.”
“Without love,” I correct. “Without connection. Without any of the things that make life worth living.”
“Captain, emotion is not a prerequisite for optimal development?—”
“It is for children. And that’s what she is, Doctor Vasquez. Not a research specimen or an evolutionary stepping stone or a political symbol. She’s a six-month-old baby who needs people who will put her happiness above their career advancement.”
“The TCA’s proposal represents the best opportunity for understanding hybrid capabilities?—”
“Understanding isn’t the same as nurturing.” Elder Lunai’s voice cuts through the argument with quiet authority. “Dr. Vasquez, your research goals may be admirable, but they fail to address the child’s emotional and spiritual needs. Empathic development requires connection, not isolation.”
“With respect, Elder, emotional attachment could bias the research data?—”
“Dr. Vasquez.” Sylas’s voice carries a note of ice that makes everyone in the chamber pay attention. “You speak of bias as if love were a contamination rather than the foundation of healthy development. Aniska is not a laboratory specimen to be studied in isolation. She is a child who deserves the same care and protection we would provide to any member of our communities.”
“Furthermore,” Elder Lunai adds, “the empathic bond between Captain Blaxton and the child represents a development worthy of study in its own right. Such research could proceed just as effectively within a family environment as in a clinical setting.”
I watch the faces around the table as the implications sink in. Not just custody determination, but recognition that what Aniska and I share could change fundamental assumptions about consciousness and connection between species.
“Are you proposing that Aniska remain on New Eden under joint custody arrangements?” Commander Genova asks.
“I am proposing that she be raised by individuals who prioritize her wellbeing above all other considerations,” Elder Lunai replies. “Based on what I have observed today, Captain Blaxtonand Commander Ominox represent the optimal partnership for achieving that goal.”
“This is unprecedented,” Dr. Cuzzort objects. “Joint interspecies custody has never been attempted?—”
“Neither had interspecies reproduction until five years ago,” Sylas points out. “Aniska’s existence requires us to consider new approaches to challenges we’ve never faced in the past.”
“The legal complications alone?—”
“Are manageable,” Elder Lunai states firmly. “New Eden Colony operates under joint governance protocols that already accommodate such arrangements. Both Captain Blaxton and Commander Ominox are legally recognized residents with full citizenship rights.”
“And if the arrangement proves unsuccessful?” Dr. Vasquez asks. “If cultural differences create instability or conflict that affects the child’s development?”
I look across the table at Sylas, seeing my own determination reflected in his calm expression. “Then we’ll figure it out.Together. Because that’s what you do when someone you care about needs you.”
“The council will recess for deliberation,” Elder Lunai announces. “We will reconvene in one hour to announce our decision.”
As the chamber empties, I find myself standing alone with Sylas in the space where we’ve just argued for the right to reshape Aniska’s future. The enormity of what we’ve committed to settles over me like weight I’m not sure I’m strong enough to carry.
“No matter what they decide,” he says quietly, “you did everything you could to protect her.”
“Wedid everything we could.”
“Yes.” His smile carries warmth that makes my chest tight with emotions I’m not ready to name. “We did.”
One hour to learn whether we’ve won the right to give Aniska the family she deserves. One hour to discover if love and determination are enough to overcome bureaucracy and scientific ambition.
One hour to find out if Sylas and I have just committed to building something unprecedented—a partnership that transcends species boundaries and cultural differences in service of one small child’s happiness.
I can’t wait to find out.
CHAPTER 6
SYLAS
The decision wentin our favor, but when the fever strikes without warning, I wonder if they made a mistake.
