CHAPTER 17

VOLUNTEER 4711

I go about my work quickly. I must finish my usual chores and get to the assembly room. Not only to attend to my Commander but because I’m curious how this arrangement between the fleets will be negotiated. I have been on the outside of Silver life for so long; this will be my first time witnessing something really important.

I practically run to the laundry room. I almost run right into my friend who tells me about the rich and famous on the Home Planet.

“Where are you going so fast, 4711?”

“I have to get this clean and then get to the assembly room,” I tell her in a rush. “I don’t want to miss anything.”

“Give them to me,” she replies, taking the Commander’s uniform and sheets. “I don’t want you to be late because of laundry.”

“Are you sure?”

She runs her fist from shoulder to shoulder, which means she is absolutely positive. I smile, give her the laundry, and then run to the assembly room.

I am one of the last people to enter, and I feel good when the Commander notices that I made it in time. I move to stand behind him and his officers. I’m the lowest-ranked person here, but I don’t care.

All the important Silvers are seated around an oval table. Once the room becomes quiet, I’m surprised that it’s not my Commander who speaks first. Instead, it’s a male from our crew that I’ve seen before but never spoken to. I don’t know his title, but he’s speaking very eloquently about the benefit of common interests and friendship. He mentions many historical events that everyone but me seem to recognize. Silver people are very active listeners, so there’s a lot of nodding going on as he speaks. When he finishes, he asks our Commander respectfully, then the commander of the other fleet, if he may sit down. I find this very puzzling behavior.

Next, my Commander begins speaking. He doesn’t stand but addresses everyone in the room, not just the commander of the other fleet. He makes a few offers of money and technology if the other commander would agree to join his fleet. The other commander politely answers him after speaking with some of his officers and makes a counteroffer. This seems like a set game, and no one seems surprised when counteroffer after counteroffer is offered. This goes on for a few hours until a lunch break is finally called.

My Commander summons me to his side. “Go and tell the serving staff to serve the nicer drinks. They will understand.”

I do as I’m told and don’t ask any questions. I’ve no doubt all communication is being monitored, and that’s why he’s sending me rather than just pressing a button. I hurry to the officers’ dining hall and tell the head waiter. He isn’t surprised and knows exactly what the Commander wants. I ask him if there’s anything I can do to help, and he gives me a cleaning task in the kitchen.