-------------------Centhia, North New Bergen, Domestication center 4C, 25.02.2555, 15:44-----------------------

The domestication center had the unique quality of being both overly cutesy and intimidating at the same time. It was designed in a way that made it almost too friendly, like a flesh-eating plant luring its victim in with a sweet smell before devouring it. That was the distinct feeling Rosa felt as she walked through the small park area surrounding the Domestication center. 

 

There were, as to be expected, plenty of florets and their respective affini owners lounging around. Some humans had the characteristic gray metal collars or armbands that signified warship status. The number of wardships that did not end in domestication was frightfully low, at least she could do her part to make that statistic a bit better. 

 

Rosa shivered as she entered the maw of the beastly building and walked up to the reception, trying to ignore the mass of doped-up florets cuddling in a corner. The reception itself had a staircase up to a platform, so one could actually see over the counter without being three to four meters tall. The affini manning the reception spotted her “~hello there cutie, what can I do for you today~” Rosa stifled a groan, the word ‘cutie’ should be abolished. 

 

After masking her irritation to the best of her abilities, she looked up at the affini “Rosa Tordenberg, I’m here for a meeting.” The receptionist nodded and typed away on the computer. Their face turned to shock, then horror, before a worried smile settled as the baseline expression. 

 

The affini’s voice sounded relieved and welcoming “I’m so glad you finally decided to come, I can have a psychologist session for you within 10 minutes….I am so sorry you had to go through something like that. Don’t worry we will make it all better.” What in the stars were they talking about?...oh, right. Rosa remembered the dozen messages she had received after the incident with the rebels two weeks back, messages she had promptly deleted. 

 

Rosa shook her head “no, I am not here for therapy. I am here to attend a committee meeting concerning a sophont named Veronica.” The relief present in the affini’s expression dissipated as they looked at the monitor. 

 

They looked back down at her with clear concern “yes…it is on floor 10, meeting room B3….would you like a session after the meeting? or perhaps some relaxation treatment, you look quite stressed and tired.” She had not gotten enough sleep lately….there had been a lot of work with both this mess and the movement. 

 

Rosa scoffed “no, thank you. And I would be far less tired if I did not have to do all that paperwork. It’s excessive, that’s what it is.” The affini looked downright horrified.

 

They were in complete disbelief “you did all of the paperwork? On your own? And no one offered to do it for you?” Of course they had, during every part of the process at least one affini had offered, in the most condescending way possible, to do the paperwork for her. Like she could trust them of handling it right, or that she would ever play into their stereotypes of humans being too incompetent to do anything for themselves. 

 

She had gotten the room, this conversation had run its course “I can do it perfectly myself, good day.” Rosa jumped down from the platform and headed for the elevators, she could feel the worried sight from the affini on her back.  

 

The elevator ride up was luckily empty, a brief respite from the affini. She took the time to brace herself for the meeting and go through the arguments, one by one. She could not fail Veronica, the girl deserved so much more than being domesticated against her will. The ride up did not last nearly long enough, and the meeting would start in less than five minutes….She really should have gotten some more sleep.

 

As Rosa walked down the hallway a door to her left opened and a human scrabbled out “no, please….don’t…please.” He desperately pressed himself against the wall, eyes full of fright, tears, and desperation. 

 

An affini came out the door, moving slowly towards the human “There is no reason to be sacred, I will take very good care of you.” The human looked around desperately and their eyes met. Before he could even call out for help the affini had closed the distance and a needle with class-Z had pierced his arm.

 

Rosa could only stand and watch in utter shock as the fear slowly died in the human’s eyes and he fell asleep. The vines picked him up and into a tight, constricting embrace “shhhh everything is going to be okay.” 

 

The affini lifted her gaze and noticed her, Rosa took a step back, her instincts telling her to run. A non-threatening smile spread on the affini’s face “oh, I am so sorry you had to see that. Don’t worry, he will be fine and happy in not too long.” To her that sounded more like a threat than anything else. 

 

Rosa collected herself and pushed past the affini, she had to focus….The terrifying scene played in her mind twice over before she reached the meeting room. The entire committee was already there when she entered, they were all affini. She recognized Myrtaca, but the others were complete strangers. One said stranger stood up and greeted her, extending a vine “hello little one, you must be Rosa. We were just about to start.” She shook the vine and looked for a place to sit. 

 

To her genuine surprise and relief, there was a chair tall enough for her to reach over the affini-sized table, at least the others had shown some consideration. Getting on to the chair was more difficult than it had right to be, but she got up before one of the affini could ask if she needed help. 

 

The talking around the table stopped and the affini who greeted her started the meeting “now that we are all in attendance. Myrtaca, could you explain the basis of the wardship and your current assessment?” Rosa took up the paperwork she had prepared for the meeting and prepared herself. 

 

Myrtaca nodded and shot her a welcoming smile “The wardship started 22 days ago after it was determined that Veronica was not in a state to be responsible for her own wellbeing. The main causes for this were acute executive dysfunction, depression, and social anxiety. Before the wardship several wellness checks were made to her hab, most were turned away, likely due to aforementioned anxiety. When the warship started Veronica was malnourished, sleep deprived, experiencing high amounts of anxiety and dysphoria.” The affini made a brief pause. 

 

It did not look good, but the affini would be convinced. Myrtaca continued “The situation has been rectified and Veronica is now in much better health, both mentally and physically. As for my assessment,  I think she would benefit greatly from having an owner, the structure and relief it gives her have been very important for improving her situation. If she is not domesticated I am afraid there is a high likelihood of her condition worsening, as her psychological history shows.” That last statement, it could not be allowed to stand unchallenged. 

 

Rosa signaled with her hand before speaking “I would disagree with that last part. With the accord gone, there is no reason for her condition to worsen. The oppressive, stressful, and exploitative nature of the accord has been the main trigger.” The affini around the table looked at her, seemingly surprised.

 

Myrtaca was the exception “I mostly agree but we can’t rule out that factors like personal relationships, disappointment from failed projects, or other disruptions to her life could cause it.” The benevolent but clinical way of speaking was slightly disturbing. Rosa almost felt dirty for sitting here and discussing Veronica’s fate, even if she was on the right side it was still an overreach. 

 

It was for the greater good “but you can’t make domesticate her just because you can’t it rule out. Every person has a chance of getting worse, would you domesticate me just because of that chance?” it was absurd.

 

One of the affini smiled at her “would you like us too?” What the? 

 

A tiny bit of rage built up in her mind “of course not. More to the point, Vitoria’s freedom is worth more than the potential risk of struggle.” Was that really up for debate?

 

The affini continued to smile “that depends. Myrtaca, has Veronica shown any signs of not wanting to be domesticated?” 

 

Myrtaca shook her head with a slight smile on her face “no, I have asked her two times. During both, she showed no signs of being resistant to the idea. She did not show any obvious signs of wanting it either but there could be a plethora of reason for that.” 

 

Rosa felt her stomach tighten “have you not considered that she might be afraid of you?” 

 

Myrtaca almost looked shocked, a few flowers wilting at her words  “afraid? What makes you think that?” How was that not obvious?

 

This was beginning to become frustrating “because you are a 3-and-a-half-meter tall alien that abducted her from her home and is threatening to domesticate her?” Two of the affini next to her looked shocked. 

 

Myrtaca shook her head defiantly “Well I can guarantee that is not the case. I and Veronica have shared many tender moments, I would know if she was afraid from her biorhythm. Even if this does not end with domestication we would be close friends.” She spoke so earnestly that it was almost believable. 

 

The way she spoke revealed something, Rosa paused for a second “excuse me…just to clarify. If this ends in domestication…who will end up becoming her owner?” The answer was there….but no….it couldn’t be.

 

The committee leader answered “Myrtaca has already filed a notice of interest in domestication. If the committee comes to the conclusion that domestication is best, she will become Veronica’s owner.” It was insane! 

 

Rosa almost stood up from her chair “does that not create a huge conflict of interest? How can we know Myrtaca is telling the truth?!” She immediately realized she had stepped over the line. 

 

Myrtaca sounded legitimately hurt “I would never lie. All I want is that Veronica lives the best life she can.” The gazes of the other affini were upon her. 

 

The committee leader spoke in a calm but authoritative voice “Rosa, calm down. We understand that you care about your friend, but I cannot accept such outbursts. Furthermore, it would be unacceptable and unprecedented for a caretaker to lie for their own benefit.” Rosa sank back into the chair….it was hard to determine what felt worse, the affini gazing concernedly at her…or the tinge of fear of what that concern might provoke. 

 

The rest of the meeting went by in rapid and calm order, mostly because Rosa kept quiet with only a few exceptions. Rosa could not deny that there were some grounds for domestication, from the affini perspective that was, but it was still a massive overreach. With the experience of many committee meetings in her past, she could feel it beginning to wind down. If any last input was to be given it had to be now. 

 

Rosa cleared her throat “Is domestication not a rather….drastic measure? While there is a chance, maybe even moderate possibility that Veronica might struggle in the future, is that enough to take away her freedom?” 

 

One of the affini answered, he sounded moderately confused “But Veronica has shown to not thrive in freedom. If being ‘free’ as you put it does not benefit her wellbeing then why value it? or are you claiming that freedom has some inherent quality so that it should be maintained, even if she suffers?” that was not…

 

Rosa stuttered “I…well….I suppose….yes?” Personal freedom was vital, but the way the affini described it almost made it sound inconsequential to take away.

 

The committee leader frowned “the only goal of this committee is to ensure the wellbeing of the sophont Veronica. Veronica has not shown a great want for freedom and possessing it is not productive for her wellbeing.” The other affini nodded “I think that there is little more to discuss, if the committee agrees we can start the vote.” This had not gone well….even if the committee’s recommendation was unfavorable, maybe she could still argue against domestication later. 

 

After shuffling through some paper, the committee leader spoke “The proposal as it stands is that the human sophont Veronica is to undergo immediate domestication. All member is fa-“ that could not be right!

 

Rosa interrupted “hold on! is this committee making the decision? Not just a recommendation to a representative body?” 

 

One of the affini answered, “no, the decision will be voted on now…is there a problem?” How could they not see the problem?

 

“You are all affini! That’s the problem. There should at least be an equal part of human members.” The affini looked at her and then at each other. 

 

The committee leader’s vines were moving impatiently “All committee members are here voluntary, there are no humans because no humans in the bureaucracy signed up. I also do not understand what an equal representation would change.” That much was obvious. There were probably not enough humans in the bureaucracy to fill a fraction of these committees.

 

Rosa raised herself in the chair “because you have a strong bias towards domestication. Stars! some days it seems like you would be content if all of us were your pets.” Keeping her frustration down was becoming more impossible by the second. 

 

The affini scoffed “I will not entertain that argument here, if you have a disagreement with the committee’s decision you can make a request for an inquiry or an appeal.” From the words alone it was clear as day that those requests would be denied.

 

Myrtaca interrupted before she could retort, sounding calm “why don’t we give Rosa the right to partake in the vote? She is a very dear friend of Veronica.” A concession of no value, her vote would not matter at all. 

 

Rosa jumped down from the chair “I will not take part in this reprehensible process!” She would not sign off on the loss of Veronica’s freedom. Even the sight of the committee had begun to turn her stomach, so the wall became her new object of inspection.

 

The committee leader sighed “mhm, all-in favor? All opposed?......” There was a brief silence “the decision is unanimous. Congratulations Myrtaca, I am sure you will both be very happy.” Failure…she had failed Veronica….not in something minor, not something insignificant. She had promised that things would be fine and now….

 

Pain and anger grew in tandem, how could she have let this happen!? The air was becoming suffocating, she needed to get out of here. Rosa headed for the door, somehow Myrtaca was already standing there “I know you’re upset but if you come to my hab and tal-“ 

 

Rosa shoved the affini aside “out of my way, weed!” With her feeble strength there was no chance of moving the affini a centimeter, but despite this Myrtaca recoiled. The sound of her stomping feet echoed against the hallway walls. The button to the elevator was pressed so hard that her finger bent painfully…As the door opened she stormed in, noticing too late it was already occupied. 

 

A tall rose-covered affini stared down at her, pitying concern in its eyes “hi there little one. You look quite stressed, maybe…” a single deadly glare was all that was needed for the affini to become silent. As soon as the doors opened Rosa was out and headed for the exit. In her peripheral vision, she saw the affini at the reception reach out for her, but the gesture was ignored. 

 

Keeping her eyes on the ground, Rosa made her way out of the park. During one of the rapid glances upwards she saw the pair she had encountered right before the meeting. The human who had been so frightened before was now peacefully lying in the affini’s lap while being petted, a smile on his face….something about the display made her feel ill. 

 

Out on the street, Rosa decided to walk to the RDM meeting instead of taking the rail, her mind needed to settle. But it wouldn’t, every floret and affini that walked by stirred the fire in her core. How many of the florets had decided to end up like that? How had the sight of a person without freedom become something she could tolerate? Or worse, not even react with more than a shrug. 

 

Dark clouds had started to converge overhead. Rosa took a few deep breaths, this would all be fine. Maybe Veronica would be happy as a floret….like she would have a choice. Regardless, there was nothing else to be done. The RDM meeting would be nice, and after that a nice and long shower…at least the paperwork was over. There was still work organizing the RDM but that would come tomorrow, tonight she would get some early sleep. 

 

When Rosa finally arrived at the meeting, it was already in full action. They had acquired a much larger meeting room, plenty of tables filled with humans and affini alike. As she admired the view Kevin and Saccharu stood up from their group and came towards her, Kevin seemed very excited for some reason “Hi Rosa, was afraid that you wouldn’t make it. How did the meeting about Veronica go?” There was something around his neck….

 

Rosa suddenly felt dizzy “ummm, not that good…what’s…what’s with the collar?” Why, by the stars, did he have a collar?

 

Kevin beamed and a vine from Saccharu was placed on his shoulder “well….me and Saccharu signed the contract yesterday….I’m her floret now.” Oh….

 

How even… “you two meet only two weeks ago…how did you decide so quickly?” It was clearly not the response Kevin had expected.

 

The newly made floret looked rather embarrassed “I had already kind of considered it before….and after that first meeting me and mistress spent a lot of time together and….well, one thing lead to another.” How had she not noticed this development before now? Probably because of all the work….

 

Rosa faked a smile “congratulations. I need to relax a bit, so I’ll join a table…talk to you two later.” She stumbled passed the pair and found a table, all of today would make sense after some sleep. 

 

As Rosa sat down in one of the empty chairs the attention of the humans and the two affini fell upon her “don’t worry about me, what are you discussing?” An interesting debate might also be nice.  

One of the affini smiled at her “hi there cutie, we were told to pick a subject for ourselves…” Right, she had not had time for that yesterday “….so we choose to discuss the benefits of domestication.”  That sounded intre-

 

Was this affini serious “Really? The benefits of domestication? You don’t think we get enough of that from your propaganda? There are so many more pressing discussions to be had.” Usually, a more diplomatic tone was available, but not today.

 

The other affini tilted her head “There is no need to get upset little one, we can discuss something else if you want.” Thank the stars, the affini turned to the other <……………> and began speaking in affini. 

 

Rosa gave her best disapproving look “hey, no affini during the meeting. Ok?” They were probably new, she was not good with names but affini were rather distinct and memorable. 

 

The first affini tilted her head a few degrees to the right “oh it is nothing for you to worry about, what did you want to talk about?” indignation welled up, mixing with the recently dormant rage.   

 

The affini could talk down to her everywhere else, but not here “no, you will not talk affini during these meetings. Speak so we all can understand it or say nothing at all!” Her authority here would not be questioned. 

 

The second affini leaned forward, her ‘neck’ extending “all I said was that based on your mood and appearance that discussing domestication might be to your benefit. Something your outburst has proven to be correct.” Whatever offense the affini had taken at her words could not hope to match hers. 

 

Rosa stood up so fast the chair fell backward and slammed into the ground “GET OUT!” The imminent direction of the two aliens clearly indicated by her pointing finger. The countless eyes upon her did not matter. This was her space, built through years of effort, a place for her to be comfortable, nothing would be allowed to ruin it.

 

It was palpable that the affini had never received a direct order from a human before, they sat there for a few seconds in utter shock. Rosa heard something, vines moving along the ground….and a familiar rhythm. The first affini looked hopefully at the person who had come from behind “do you know this human? Perchance you could help her calm down?” The arrogance, the audacity! If stares could kill then the affini would be smoldering ash. 

 

Echina placed a careful hand on her shoulder “is everything okay?” If the affini could feel her mood as they claimed that question had no reason to exist. 

 

Rosa shoved the hand off her shoulder “everything is going to be fine as soon as these two vacate the premises.” Her voice was low but far from calm. 

 

The scholar crouched down, still over a head taller than her “maybe we should all calm down, take a few slow bre-“ 

 

“No! I have every reason to be upset, there is no need for me to be calm. Especially not if it is to satisfy how you want me to behave. Now you two, LEAVE!” The frustration from six months of condescension, ridicule, and domineering treatment came to the surface all at once. 

 

Rosa gazed over the gathering, all eyes, both human and affini were on her. How could she have been so naïve to think that the affini could be discussed into better action? They didn’t respect her, they respected none of them. Like snakes in the garden, they were only here to acquire the only thing they truly cared for, their precious subjugated ‘pets’…Subjugation, a much more fitting word, humanity was not cattle to be tamed, it was a population to be subjugated and controlled. 

 

Echina was suddenly in front of her “Rosa, I don’t know what is going on, but you need t-“ Rosa slapped the approaching hand away. 

 

The exhaustion was gone, engulfed in a righteous fury “I don’t need to do anything! I welcomed you in with the hope that we could share a common goal, it seems now I was wrong. This organization is made to be a vehicle for improving society, not some affini dating arena. You affini are nothing but hegemonic imperialist, you care nothing for our opinions or our values!” Freedom, self-determination, and individuality, it was nothing to the compact and its monstrous bureaucracy. 

 

Echina pulled back, her voice full of discord “you sound like a feral….” Flowers wilted as regret entered Echina’s eyes “rot, I didn’t me-” It was far too late.

 

The rage blossomed tenfold “how dare you to compare me to those fascists! The only thing more imperialist than the accord is the compact itself. Sure, you don’t want resources…you want people. You might seem benevolent, but you are just as authoritarian as the old regime ever was! The main difference is that at least the accord was obvious in its oppression, The compact is far more insidious.” Humanity was like a frog put in a pot, slowly brought to boil. If nothing was done the current state of affairs would be accepted and there would never be any hope of challenging it. 

 

Not on her watch, ignoring the stunned and hurt Echina, Rosa clapped her hand “The open part of this meeting is over! All members, with their political rights intact, may stay for a reformative meeting.” Open discussion? What a naive idea. The affini would never listen unless they were shouting, so shouting they would get. 

 

While people began to filter out, all of the affini amongst them, Kevin came up with a distressed expression “what is going on? what do you mean ‘political rights’?” His new owner was trailing right behind.

 

Rosa turned to him “you made the decision to become a floret, and I genuinely hope you find happiness with it. But you signed away your rights along with that, a consequence you will have to live with. When we decide how to fight for a better future, it is a decision made by those who will live with that future, not those who have signed theirs away. Stars, I don’t think I can even legally give you a vote.” Kevin almost looked ready to cry as Saccharu shielded him from her with a curtain of vines.  

 

Echina’s voice was calm but full of discord “I take it you want me to leave?” The rage wanted her to say yes, to dismiss all of them. 

 

The guilt from seeing the affini hurt was already great enough “you’re a member and you have your untouchable rights, do what you want.” Rossa turned away and walked towards where the remainders had gathered, it was almost half the amount from when the meeting started…there was still hope. 

 

-------------------Centhia, South New Bergen, Bureaucratic Center 94-P, 07.03.2555, 12:11-----------------------

Echina moved down the street between the massive bureaucratic centers. Tall spires of impressive architecture, even by affini standards. She noted that maybe it was because the human structures were already so tall, and her people needed to prove they could build even taller, to assert some sort of vulgar dominance. 

 

Rosa’s words and critiques had obviously affected her…..hopefully the girl was doing okay. It had been over a week since she had seen her, and a strong part wanted to visit her, make sure she was safe. Echina pressed the concern down as far as possible, Rosa had made it very clear she wanted no such thing. 

 

Something red caught the corner of her vision, a poster glued onto one of the mighty walls. Sheer curiosity compelled her to approach and read it “Resist subjugation! Make your voice heard!” was written in bold square letters at the top. On the bottom beneath there was more “Join the gathering and protest march at Genus University coming Tuesday!” the logo of the red dawn movement separated the text. It was far from the first of these posters she had seen, they were spread all around the city. 

 

Its existence and messaging were also why she was in this part of the city, the RDM had caught the awareness of the protectorate bureaucracy. As the affini with the best understanding of the movement, she had been called in for a committee meeting. A committee to assess the threat the movement may pose, in Echina’s opinion was far too early to be concerned but the other affini had been rather adamant.  

Entering the spacious locale of one building, Echina could at least appreciate space built for her size. The elevator up to the 96th  floor was positioned so that its glass walls gave an impressive view of the city that slowly shrieked below her. The gray city stretched out for kilometers without end, even at this altitude she would not see its borders. The grey sea was intermittently interrupted by sparkling and colorful affini architecture, like flowers emerging from beneath concrete. 

 

According to the introductory briefing the city housed over 480 million humans and 80 million affini, it was a staggering amount. While resource centralization was efficient and therefore common, very few sophonts committed to such extreme urbanization. A newly released research paper speculated that it was a consequence of humans’ psychological need for companionship. 

 

The elevator came to a stop and after looking out upon the city for a few more seconds, Echina walked towards the meeting room. Part of her was anxious, while the committee would surely act in the best interest of the humans, the question of what that would mean for Rosa was concerning. Waiting in the hallway outside of the meeting room she spotted an old friend “Myrtaca, didn’t expect to see you here. How have things been?”

 

The xeno-welfare officer smiled, pride underlying her words “things have been very good, I recently found myself the most adorable little floret in the galaxy. I simply must show you some pictures later, had any luck yourself?” Myrtaca sounded carefree and happy, the slithering vines of envy tried to get their hold on her mind. 

 

Echina shook her head “no, I have been focusing on other matters. Maybe soon, need to find the right one first…oh it seems the meeting is about to begin, let’s head inside.” The conversation had brought her mind back to Rosa once more, best to keep it short. 

 

Three minutes after they had sat down, the last member of the committee entered. A large, stout, and bark-covered affini started the meeting “this committee has the objective to analyze the threat that the Red Dawn Movement poses to sophont wellbeing and formulate a suitable response. Head investigator Reliz, please give your report on the organization.” 

 

The voice of the Security officer was hushed and deep “From our intel the organization changed course in their messaging and approach about a week ago. Their propaganda has become far more anti-compact in nature and their agitation more radical. A few days ago, a speech was held in a park of city sector 21, we estimate around 300 human sophonts showed up. Our analysis of overnet activity shows that the movement is gaining momentum fast.” And Rosa was in the middle of it all, with any luck the girl would stay safe…Echina was not happy with having to base something so important on luck.  

 

The barked affini’s leaves shook and wilted “you stated preliminary in your preliminary report that the movement seems to be built up and around a human named Rosa. Echina, from your personal experience with the sophont…is there a chance she is harboring feralist ideology or sympathies?” if the situation had not been so serious she would likely have chuckled at the suggestion.

 

Echina made sure to sound as confident as possible “Impossible, I have yet to meet someone who holds those ideas in less regard. Rosa is dedicated to making the world a better place, but I am sure she does not want anyone hurt.” The investigator nodded affirmatively. 

 

The committee leader’s mood did not improve “Even if she has good intentions, things like this can easily get out of control. Myrtaca, Rosa lives in your area of jurisdiction. How would you describe her mental and physical state?” So that was why she was here, what a pleasant coincidence. 

 

Myrtaca’s voice took on a deeply concerned quality “So far there has not been enough reason to give her a wellness check, her health during the last two checkups was fine. Last time I encountered her however she showed severe signs of stress, overwork, and sleep deprivation.” 

 

The bark made a cracking sound as the committee leader leaned forward “would you say that this is grounds for domestication or a temporary wardship?” What….

 

Her friend’s voice was tainted with the same confusion “not at the moment, at least not before a wellness check can be performed…” There was some slight hesitation “are you trying to have her domesticated so she can’t lead the movement?” It was the same question that had formed in her mind.

 

The accusation did not offend them in the slightest “yes, she is the lynchpin of the whole organization. If she is removed, permanently or temporally, the movement will crumble and dissipate. Securing stability and preventing violence needs to be our first priority.” That seemed….Rosa would have used the word authoritarian for sure. 

 

The xeno-psychologist spoke for the first time “If the movement gets larger and more volatile it will have a serious negative impact on the human population, as many of them suffer from CPTR.” She must have noticed the confused glances “CPTR, or Centhian political trauma response, is a sad bioproduct of the volatile and violent nature of this planet’s history. The mental wounds that their old society has left them with needs to heal, not ripped open.” 

 

Echina shook her head, this was not acceptable “They have the right to protest if they are discontented. There are no signs of violent intent, I suggest we try to negotiate with the organization concerning some of the demands they have submitted.” A few of the demands were not that unreasonable. 

 

Relitz, the investigator nodded “First, I agree with Echina. Secondly, removing Rosa from her pack leader position this way might strengthen and enrage the movement. Humans can become very passionate when joining together for common goals, and without Rosa guiding them….I am afraid you would only get more volatility and potential violence.”  

 

The committee leader seemed distant for a few seconds “Negotiating with the RDM will only embolden its most radical supporters. This movement will get out of vine no matter what we do, better that we contain it before it grows too much. Rosa might lead the movement for now, but once it gets going she won’t be able to stop it. None of you were here during the Catastrophe, if you had you would understand the potential danger” There was a deep pain in their biorhythm as they spoke…Echina had seen the reports, tragedy did not begin to describe it 

 

The psychologist broke through the emerging silence “I propose we put Rosa into a wardship until the situation has passed. Let’s put it to a vote. All in favor?” The committee leader and the psychologist’s vines reached into the air “all opposed?” Three vines from her, Myrtaca, and the investigator was raised. 

 

The committee leader sighed “the proposal falls, I guess we shall wait and see. If there are no objections I will establish a task force to handle this mess when it inevitably comes to that. The negotiation idea might placate some casual supporters, so we can try. But I doubt enough of the proposals  can be accepted in a way the movement will be content with.” That was at least something, Echina relaxed her tensed-up vines. 

 

While the rest of the meeting went by without any difficulties, her concern for Rosa had only increased. The possibility of danger befalling her was highly disturbing. The want to protect the cute sophont was almost overpowering. But she reminded herself that Rosa was strong and capable, she could take care of herself…right?

 

-----------------Centhia, North New Bergen, Genus university lecture hall 1-A, 11.03.2555, 19:17---------------

The air in the massive lecture hall was choked, that or the exhaustion was making it difficult to take deep breaths again. Both were likely explanations, 1-A was the largest of the lecture halls and could contain over 500 hundred people. At this point the seats were already full and more people were still arriving, the work she had put in had paid off.  

 

The work had cost her, she had not been this exhausted since the days of the old student protests of 51. Those days the work had seemed easier, things had seemed simpler. Letting nostalgia cloud her judgment was probably not a good idea, at least the compact would not send garrison soldiers crashing through doors or meet them with a line of shock batons. The affini might be obstinate and hegemonic, but they were not cruel…at least not on purpose. 

 

For a brief moment, she scanned the crowd…not a sign of Kevin, Echina, or any of the other affini who had joined early, or any affini at all for that matter. It should not disappoint her as it did, after how she had treated them…it was only right. Rosa pushed the thoughts down, this was not a time for self-pity, there was a cause to work for. That needed to take priority, always. 

 

She stepped onto the podium and the room went silent. With the masses' eyes on her, the exhaustion was forgotten “Welcome everyone, I am glad that you have all decided to join us for this important protest. Before we head out onto the streets and make our voices heard, we need to know what we are fighting for.” If there were enough people shouting, the affini would have to listen.

 

The attention of the audience was wrapped “While the new world we now live in has many improvements, we must not let these distract from its glaring flaws. The most pressing problem, the one I am sure has brought many of you here today, is domestication. The way it is practiced today, especially when it is done forcefully, is highly problematic.” The tone and force of her voice rose and fell in a powerful rhythm, affirmative shouting and clapping gave her a second to pause. 

 

It was strange how easy and fun it was to speak before a mass of people, compared to how difficult it could be to talk in small unorganized settings “Today the practice of forceful domestication is used far too liberally. Not every societal ill can be solved with domestication, and neither should it. The two main reasons for forceful domestication, being a threat to oneself or to others, are far too harsh. If someone struggles, the main goal should be to help them recover. Domestication should only be used as a last and final means when all else has failed, not the first course of action!” The half planned, half improvised words rang out across the speakers, applause consumed the room a split second later. 

 

The energy of the speech drove her onwards “And those that have proven to be a danger to others, should they not be given the chance at rehabilitation before having their freedom taken away? Even those employed in the navy, sent to fight the affini during the war, how many of them had any choice or the knowledge to make the right one? Should they have been domesticated in so high numbers? NO!” The deafening sound of the masses was almost overwhelming, luckily the exhilaration was more powerful than the overstimulation.

 

The speech continued, sometimes the audience interrupted her before she had even finished. The exhaustion was slowly returning, she would have to relax during the protest later…and probably get to bed before 3 am. The renewed silence meant her break was over “this is why biorhythms need to be suppressed, even well-meaning affini can unintentionally manipulate humans in their vici-” The sound of shouting from the top right of the hall interrupted her “as I was sayi-“ another shout…it sounded like the disagreement had turned into a scuffle. 

 

How annoying “excuse me for a moment.” Rosa turned off the microphone and with long rapid steps made her way towards the source of the disturbance. It did not take too long for her to see the two culprits, one woman and an affini…it was Saccharu, Kevin’s owner. The two looked aggressively at each other, the surrounding people moved to give her access.

 

Before they could launch another salvo of words Rosa came between them, her arms indicating both of them to stand further apart “what in the stars are you two doing?” It had already been a long day, they better have a good reason for making it longer. 

 

The woman was the first to answer, the disgust was dripping from her words “I just told this weed and her pet that they were not welcome here.” What the-

 

Before Rosa could formulate a response Saccharu bit back, the affini was unusually agitated “you threatened my floret!” oh stars…Kevin was there, safely protected behind the affini’s vines. 

 

Rosa turned to the woman, de-escalation was probably the smart move…but “how dare you threatened a member? Explain yourself.” 

 

The woman looked surprised, like she had expected her to be supportive “I…We can’t work against them if they are watching us. Xenos have no place here.” Reactionary garbage.

 

What a waste of oxygen “We are not here to resist them, we are here to build a better society WITH them. Affini are more than welcome, they are wanted. We are not trying to rebuild the accord!” With the final words said she dismissed the woman with a hand gesture. 

 

She turned to Kevin, a tinge of hope in her heart “are you okay? Im sorry for-” The sudden fear in his eyes alerted her a second to late.

 

“You plant-fucking traitor!” Rosa turned in time to see the woman pull something out of her jacket

 

 BANG! BANG! BANG!

 

Something hit her chest with terrible force, knocking her backward, off balance, and sending her tumbling down the stairs. She stopped as her head slammed into one of the walls, the pain spiked through her body. What had just happened? 

 

Her sight was blurry and her hearing unfocused, still, she could hear screams and see people rushing in all directions. As her head began to recover from the blow, the pain beginning to dull, her mind tried to refocus. Had someone been hurt? She needed to make sure people were safe. 

 

Rosa tried to get up, but her hand slipped on something wet beneath her. Strange, she had not noticed any liquid spillage on the way up. A person was moving towards her, even if they were just a blur it was clear they were concerned. Rosa gestured with her hand “I’m fine, please help someone else first.” The person took a step back. 

 

She inspected her hand, it was covered in something red…what? Her mind felt terribly dull, like every thought was being pulled through syrup. Drying the hand on her shirt only revealed that her shirt had become wet as well, there was something terribly wrong. 

 

The corner of her vision was becoming dark. Another person came towards her, it was taller than the other, greener as well. Rosa made one final attempt to get up, her body almost didn’t react at all. The tall green person reached out and if her limited sight was to be believed it touched her. For some reason, she felt nothing…The darkness was encroaching on all sides, the world had gone silent a few seconds ago. 

 

Her attempt at speaking was feeble “I’m…fi..fi..” for some reason the words would come out…her mind slowed to a crawl, everything felt so numb, the darkness became total…perhaps it would be good to get some rest.