Author's Notes:
This story takes place in the same universe as my 'Robotic Restitution' trilogy. It is not necessary to have read those novels before reading this story, though the events of this tale take place after 'Drone Envy' and 'Drone Shuffle,' but before the events of 'Drone Circus.'
*****
When the aliens first landed, we truly thought they were aliens. They looked like aliens. The government treated them like aliens. To all of us citizens, this was a standard first contact scenario, like many others we had seen on the vid screen throughout our lives.
Dignitaries would exchange pleasantries, treaties would be negotiated and signed, alliances formed. The Frysian empire was still at war, after all, though that hadn't changed for ages.
Lockator was the capitol world, which meant that we received the bulk of the raw resources needed for constructing new ships via our orbital shipyard. The Emperor's presence meant that we barely felt the strain of the galactic war, unlike the hundreds of worlds nearer the outer rim.
Looking back, it was a hopelessly idyllic life, and could not have lasted for much longer even if the status quo remained. Eventually, our industrial city of Stacksville would feel the sting of spending all our time supporting the Empire's endless war machine. Utilizing all our time and creativity in the service of destruction instead of creation.
Fortunately, the arrival of the aliens changed all that. We never could have anticipated how good it would feel to be under their control.
***
Jack cursed, shaking his tablet. "Why does technology never work the way it's supposed to?" he complained, running his fingers over the blank touch screen.
Arms wrapped around his shoulders, a warm breath against his ear. "It's because you refuse to upgrade, dear. All of the devices we use daily are, well, old."
"Not as old as I am," grumbled Jack. "I still remember a time when they designed things to last, not fall apart right when they hit the warranty date."
Susan kissed his cheek and rubbed his shoulders. "That wasn't true even when we were kids. Do you remember that old toaster? It wouldn't go down far enough to toast more than the bottom third. You inherited that thing from your grandparents, and I had to throw it out when our kids started complaining."
Jack grunted. "It used to work well enough." He tapped the tablet, and was surprised when the vid screen on the far wall began to display the world news network logo. "What's this? More news about our ship production? From the raw numbers, you'd think we'd be winning this war."
He thumbed his tablet to raise the volume, which to his surprise suddenly began to work. He was about to change the channel when the camera focused on a landing shuttle. A musical tag played and a woman began to speak in a monotonous tone.
"Today negotiations began between the Empire and the Hivarians," the news anchor droned.
The camera zoomed in, framing the door of the shuttle. It cracked open, revealing two shiny, black figures who marched down the ramp with military precision. They took up stations at the bottom, looking menacing in their faceless helmets, hands near their hips.
A train of the aliens followed, also dressed in shiny outfits. The leader of the group looked especially regal, clad in a skintight purple bodysuit. A small crown sat atop her head, tilted to the right. It was unknown how she could keep her headgear attached to her head, as she was completely bald.
Her face beamed blue, as if she was a luminescent moon. The other members of her party had more toned down attire, fewer ruffles and details than their queen. They didn't look any less strange, however, having thick strips of metal clasping their throats.
Even the apparent queen was wearing a collar. She acted as if this was normal, waving a fan with one hand to hide half her face, lending her a mysterious air.
"It is unknown from where the Hivarians hail. All inquiries to the government have been refused due to galactic security."
The camera pulled out, revealing a second entourage, this one even more ostentatious. Two foot men were working to roll out a red carpet, a floating, gilded stage coach pulling up to deliver its cargo. Two beautiful assistants helped the Emperor walk down the steps of the coach, his eyes sparkling as he descended.
Tubes extended from the back of the Emperor's skull, plugging him into a bulky object on his back. It had been reported that this gave him the ability to monitor his large empire. This was a recent addition in the last month, sending a ripple of distaste throughout the Empire.
Cybernetics were generally frowned upon by the populace, but the media supported the Emperor, stating that it was necessary for him to stay on top of all the recent war developments. Over time, the objections had gradually subsided.
"Look at him," muttered Jack. "He looks older than me, and I'm no spring chicken."
The voice over continued. "In an unusual gesture, Emperor Julian, may his gentle hand guide the empire forever, has decided to greet the new arrivals."
The Emperor clasped the hand of the alien queen, who tilted her head in a show of recognition, not deference. The Emperor returned the same.
"Their gestures here indicate they see each other as equals. Will this be the new ally we need to end the war? Negotiations are now proceeding in secrecy, but we will be sure to update you as soon as we find out more."
The video faded as the alien delegation sent their queen to follow the emperor into his carriage. The footage went back to the newsroom, where a perky brunette beamed at the camera. "Reports are scarce, but the Emperor is going all out to greet these new arrivals. The rumor on the ground is that these aliens might be what's needed to finally beat the cruel Ultharian invaders."
She turned to her co-anchor, who was dressed smartly in an emerald dress. "Monica, do you think an alliance with these aliens will be sufficient to tip the balance of power?"
Monica flipped her long, blonde hair, which hid the right half of her face from view. "I've spoken to several experts, Peach, and they're giving me mixed signals. The consensus appears to be that almost nothing is known about these aliens. How exciting! The emperor is having a private meeting with them now, after which we expect to know more."
"Thank you, Monica," replied Peach, turning back to face the camera. "The war grinds on, but with a new ally in the mix, we're sure to win soon. Stay tuned, this is Peach, from the Galactic News Network." The logo began to spin again.
"They said that the last four times," said Jack, skeptical. "I'm starting to think they hire a new bimbo to say that phrase for every news story."
Susan punched him gently on the shoulder. "Jack, behave. They're not bimbos, they're professional women."
