Homestar Saga

Chapter 35: Aldara Remembers

It was a long meeting, but not as long as Yvian had feared. The Madame President took charge, asking questions and lining out what she wanted for the delegation to the Xill. Yvian learned her name was Evelyn Wong, and even the High Commander deferred to her.

Yvian remained silent through the meeting. Lissa made as if to speak once, but the High Commander shot her a look, raising a finger to his lips. Mims held his peace for the most part, speaking only when asked a direct question.

After an hour and a half, the meeting ended. The Secretaries, as well as the Directors of XTRO and INTRO (the Internal Terran Reconnaissance Organization) signed off. The Madame President remained on the comm.

"I was on Aldara, you know," The Madame President remarked. "When it happened."

Mims said nothing.

"Why did you come back?" she asked.

"The XTRO outpost was-" Mims began.

"I heard your report," the Madame President cut him off. "I want to know why."

Mims shrugged. "It was necessary in order to complete my objective."

"To complete your objective..." The Madame President spoke slowly, voice filled with a weary disdain. "That is what you do, isn't it?"

Mims said nothing.

"I can't forgive you," she admitted. "I know I should. I tried. But I can't. Even after..." she let out a breath that was almost, but not quite, a sigh. "I can't forgive you. I'm not strong enough."

Mims said nothing.

"Have the attempts started again?" she asked. "Are people trying to kill you?"

Mims hesitated for a moment, then said, "Yes."

"I see." The Madame President was silent for a few seconds, then said, "I hope someone succeeds." There was a chime as she disconnected from the comms.

Mims stared at the High Commander's console. There was a tightness to him, a narrowing of the eyes. Yvian doubted most people would notice, but to her he looked...lost. Then he shook himself, returning to the cold, unflappable bearing that was his default.

The High Commander seemed to notice as well, but chose to address the pixens. "Thank you for remaining silent," he said. "I should have warned you before the meeting started, but it would cause problems if the others knew you were here."

"What kind of problems?" Yvian asked, suddenly worried. "Would we... Would they try to kills us?"

"No." The High Commander snorted. "They're not gonna mess with you while I'm here. But the Secretary of Infrastructure's a xenophobe, and the INTRO Director's paranoid as hell. They'd have derailed the meeting if they knew aliens were listening in." He gave an annoyed sigh. "It's the sad truth of the human condition. No matter how far we come or how much we progress, there will always be assholes."

"Truer words..." Mims agreed.

The High Commander eyed him critically. "How long has it been since you've slept, Mims?"

Mims glanced down at his wrist console. "Fifty three hours."

"You look like shit," The High Commander told him. He gestured towards the door behind him. "I've got a cot in that room over there. Go get some sleep."

Mims hesitated. "My crew..."

"Will be taken care of," the General promised. "I'll see to it personally."

Mims nodded and shambled out of the office. General Young waited until the door closed, then turned to the sisters. "You ladies hungry? I'm hungry." He dropped his rigid posture, leaning back in his chair and crossing one leg over the other. His head tilted slightly as a though occurred to him. "Can pixens eat human food?"