Chapter 9: The Lion Sleeps Tonight?

“You haven’t said the half of it!” declared Violet who was looking over the sea of tan. “If I’m reading the characteristics right, they really are all pussies and not an adult male among them. Strange...”

They eased into the spaces on Broad in front of the University’s Arch. They pulled to a halt, and one of the lion-like aliens walked over to the Minnow’s now open driver-side window. She stood beside the minivan and told Violet in near perfect but lightly accented English, “I’m Tawny.” Motioning to another approaching figure, “and this is Peace. We are of The People and also members of the human Mishka’s Nexus.”

Peace stepped forward and added, “We’ve dreamed of your coming and are so very glad other humans survived.”

At that point, Beryl overcame her shock and found her voice, “A Prime, like the Seeker? A human? Really?”

Tawny saw her for the first time, and answered, “Yes, like the Seeker, but with stronger abilities. I think that’s why Peace and I could feel you. Mishka’s - our - Nexus has proved to be much stronger than a Seeker Nexus.” She paused, then said, “Listen, I can explain more later. If you folks will step out and onto that platform over there so my people can see you with me, I’ll make a short welcoming speech, and they’ll go back to their duties happy. A leader’s responsibility, you know.”

The seven young women exited their vehicles, dogs on leashes and Mouse in Jin Ae’s arms, squirming and looking for all the world like he wanted to leap to Tawny. When they all stood with Tawny on the platform, she raised her arms in an almost human gesture for quiet. “My people, more of our benefactors have found us.” Cheers rose and continued for several minutes.

Tawny spoke a little more, then turned to the new arrivals, “Once we get past your welcome, I’ll take you to our home and explain as much as I can. My people are very grateful that your human, Mishka, and his Nexus offered us refuge. Would you say something to them? They are of necessity learning English, and a few words would mean a lot.” Rose and Violet both pointed, so she handed Scarlett a microphone and urged her forward.

Scarlett looked out at a sea of faces covered with short golden tan fur. They were staring and cheering, but using strange words and sounds. Differences in languages and cultures, she supposed. She held up a hand and took a deep breath.

When silence began, so did she, “We thank you for this welcome. I understand that another human named Mishka has made an agreement with you. I’m not at all certain what this means, but your leader has promised to explain. I will tell you now, that I and my sisters will honor his agreement as we would expect you and Mishka to honor our own agreement with the Travelers.” She stepped back and almost dropping the microphone, raised one of Honey’s and Sugar’s hands above her head. The crowd cheered again.

Tawny took the microphone and addressed the gathering, “I’m sure our visitors are tired, and we do need to talk. I’m also sure many of you will have an opportunity to meet them soon.”

As the crowd began to leave, she told the newcomers, “If you wish, pull your vehicles to the curb and park. Our apartment is not even a block away. You can join Peace and me while we explain, and when the crowd is gone, we can move them to our parking lot. By then, you should be able to decide if you wish to stay with us, use a guest apartment, or stay in your home on wheels.”

“If you have hot water, the choice is going to be very easy,” Beryl told her, “even easier if there is a large shower and a bed big enough for us all.”