Alien in the Family

. . . quite forceful.”
    “So, they don’t use diplomacy so much as strong-arm techniques?”
    I got a lot of blank looks. Chuckie just laughed. “In that sense. Diplomats have jobs that entail more than just shaking hands and smoothing over problems. Besides, the power they’re used to is within their own A-C community. In Washington and elsewhere they do function as a protective layer.”
    “So, they’re the bulky, ugly sweater your mom makes you wear when it’s really cold out, even though you’d rather not?”
    Queen Renata smiled. “A very apt description.”
    “I like her.” I looked back at Chuckie. “Does that mean we have to bring in Mister Coleman?”
    “I don’t particularly want to. I’d like to know the ramifications with Alpha Four if we do or don’t acquiesce.”
    “My great-uncle is not in condition to deal with this, due to the attack on his life. My mother and the Chief Councillor are. And since Gregory is my mother’s eldest son . . .”
    Chuckie heaved a sigh. “Got it. Alpha Four’s already angry enough. Why make it worse?”
    “Who’s the Chief Councillor and what’s his job description?” I didn’t get a lot of glares or exasperated looks, so I figured this wasn’t in the briefing papers, or if it was, it wasn’t given a lot of space on the pages.
    “When we were on the home world, the Chief Councillor functioned as the liaison between the monarchy, the Diplomatic Corps, and the other sovereign planets,” White said. “While the goal is to have someone in that position long-term, it tends to be a short-term post.”
    “Why? Death or desertion?” Retirement seemed out.
    “Usually resignation.” White shrugged. “It’s a difficult position without a great deal of popular public support.”
    “It’s still that way,” Alexander agreed. “Our current Chief Councillor has been in place for the past decade, however.”
    I considered this. “Why? What’s going on that’s made whoever’s in that post seem either like the greatest option around or so necessary that things’ll go to pieces if he takes off?”
    Alexander looked uncomfortable. “Nothing out of the ordinary.” This was mumbled. I wondered how they managed to lie to each other and why they were even trying to lie to us when it never worked.
    Chuckie smiled at me. “I’m so proud.” He looked at Alexander. “I want the answer, too. Now.”
    Alexander nodded. “My great-uncle has . . . certain views. Many feel those views are outdated.”
    “We are all tired of living under the yoke and control of Alpha Four,” Neeraj said from the holding cell.
    “No one turned the intercom off?” Chuckie sounded exasperated.
    “It would not matter,” Willem said. “We can hear you through the glass.”
    “We’re a good twenty-five feet away,” I pointed out.
    Willem shrugged. “We can still hear you. Clearly.”
    “All of you, or just the Major Doggies?” We all got closer to the holding cell. Clearly, stepping away hadn’t made a difference.
    Willem looked like he really wanted to snarl at me, but he glanced at the Poofs on my shoulders and controlled it. “We Canus Majorians have the best hearing, but the Feliniads and the Reptilians also have hearing above that of any others in our solar system.”
    Felicia nodded. “Those from Betas Five and Six are much closer to Earth people in terms of abilities.”
    I wondered if this meant they were closer to us in terms of ability to be treacherous, but I didn’t voice it. “They have one heart, so that makes some sort of sense. How’s your sense of smell?”
    Willem grinned. “We all know what you had for your last several meals.”
    Felicia sniffed. “Not that we can create enthusiasm for your choices.”
    “Sorry, we’ll round up some interstellar rats for you. Oh! Quick thought! They’re probably in the room with you right now.”
    Chuckie and Martini both chuckled while Felicia’s eyes narrowed, and she flexed her claws. I got the impression she was willing to see if she could take the Poofs, which was, all things considered, sort of impressive.
    White cleared his throat. “However, the issue at hand is the current political situation. Feel free to share that with us. For example, there was no Planetary Council before we left, but I have no idea what may have changed since then.”
    “I’d bet not much.” Chuckie looked at Queen Renata. “Because I don’t buy that the Alpha Four government has ever okayed a Planetary