"Do you know what this is about?" Semylyn caught Troyak by the sleeve of his dark blue tunic. He only shook his head in answer and then the other council members surrounded them. She shrugged off the shudder starting up her back.

"Welcome Council members. Please be seated." Omree himself greeted the group. 

Semylyn circled the table and went to sit next to her Father.

Omree stood and addressed the group. "When we spoke yesterday it was agreed that the Gathering must begin immediately. I have called for this meeting to inform you that our first Sun-Dweller has arrived."

Semylyn jerked so hard she nearly fell out of her chair. A Sun-Dweller here, already? She had been in the Lifecycle Lab just that morning for an hour or so before going to meet Troyak. Why hadn't she been informed the Sun-Dweller was coming?

"I know this news is shocking to you all, and in truth, I had not intended on actually having a Sun-Dweller here quite so soon. However, Xerell and I agreed we would gain no advantage by delaying."

Omree took a moment to let this information sink in. There was a collective murmur of surprise, then he continued.

"We would like to keep this matter quiet for now, out of respect for our visitor. He is currently occupying one of our capsules in the Lifecycle lab while his physiology becomes acclimated. No doubt when this news goes citywide he will be quite the celebrity. To ease his transition, some privacy will be useful. We will be keeping you all apprised of further developments."

With that, Omree signaled the end of the impromptu meeting and turned to his daughter.

"I'm sorry I was unable to prepare you," he said.

Semylyn shook her head."You said immediately yesterday...and this is certainly...immediate."

Xerell's approach interrupted her feeble attempt to lighten the situation and give herself time to adapt to the news.

"Ah, Xerell," Omree said, clapping his second-in-command on the shoulder. "We will soon learn what to expect from our first Sun-Dweller?"

"Same as we can expect from the rest of them, I'm sure," Xerell muttered darkly. His opinion of Sun-Dwellers was hardly unknown.

"Father," Semylyn turned to Omree, "I will go and check on the rest of the capsules. Make sure everything is functioning properly."

Omree nodded his agreement. "I was going to ask you to do just that."

He turned back to Xerell. "I'd like tonight's hunting party to leave as scheduled. We should try to keep up the status quo for as long as we can."

Xerell nodded and turned, gesturing for his son to follow. Troyak glanced back at Semylyn before exiting the chamber in stride with his father.

"I will accompany you to the Lifecycle lab," Omree said.

Semylyn turned to follow him. As they traversed the corridor and approached the Channel, she could feel her heart pounding through her skin. Things were moving quickly, and she was about to get her first glimpse of the legendary Sun-Dwellers. Raised on tales of their audacity, their arrogance, and their greed, the trepidation at actually seeing one couldn't be denied.

Semylyn found the entryway to the Lifecycle lab locked, but Omree pressed a hand against a panel next to the door and it slid open.

"For security," he said and Semylyn nodded mutely.

Inside the lab, two of Semylyn's researchers were working at their stations, the white-haired Navees and Heth himself.

"Come to glimpse the Sun-Dweller, eh?" Heth asked jovially and Semylyn gave him a small smile.

He led Omree and Semylyn through the lab and paused at the door next to the dolphin tank to input a series of security codes. Semylyn gently tapped the glass and watched the dolphin's smooth gray head roll.

"This way," Heth murmured as he advanced further into the room."

At the far left, the first capsule quietly hummed, its control panel showing it to be activated. They approached and Omree input a few simple commands. The opaque covering cleared to allow viewing into the capsule's interior. Semylyn stepped forward for a closer look.

It was a male. She was surprised at how brown his skin was, though he seemed to be from one of the lighter pigmented races of Sun-Dwellers. Even so, his skin burned golden in comparison to the familiar Sitnaltian pallor. Sun-Dweller, indeed.

Since he lay in unconscious suspension, his finely featured face should have held sereneness. What projected wasn't tranquility though, more like cold dignity.

How different he looked from Troyak. Thick, brown brows arched on a high, almost regal forehead. His closed eyes gave her no way of knowing what color slept within their depths. Dark, black lashes fanned out to rest on his cheeks.

Where Troyak's face was broad and chiseled, this Sun-Dweller's features were far more angular, yet hinting at the same inherent strength that she so often admired in Troyak. His full lips held just a hint of a smirk that did not promise compliance. Impossible though she knew it to be, his mouth seemed to mock her.

Yet, she had to admit he was shapely, this Sun-Dweller. His build was not the overly-muscular type she was used to. He was leaner, with long arms. She could hardly say that he looked weak, however. He looked as if he would awaken at any moment and punch his way through the capsule. He looked alien, unfamiliar, but desperately, vibrantly alive.

"His name is Jag O'Neal," Omree murmured.

Semylyn looked at her father, then back at the Sun-Dweller. Jag, she thought. What a strange name.

"He will be your bonded partner."

The chilling shock rolled over her like a breaking wave. She'd committed to following the Warder's guidance, but now that this Sun-Dweller existed in her space, breathed her air — he seemed more an invader than a partner. The mere thought invoked embarrassment and foreboding.

"We have some time to wait," Omree offered, "I'd like to have the Sun-Dweller female intended for Troyak here before we proceed with the ceremony. That way, both of you can be bonded at the same time." He took a pausing breath. "I cannot stay longer; I have a meeting with Xerell shortly. Feel free to linger if you wish."

Semylyn did stay. She moved as if to put a hand on the capsule but held her hand midair. This is silly, Semylyn told herself. He's unconscious. No reason to feel afraid.

Gently, slowly, she lay a hand on the glass barrier between them.

"Jag," she whispered, and the word drifted up and out into the lab's blue silence, the only sound to break the mechanical song for a long while.

_______________________________________

I feel so sorry for Semylyn, Troyak, and now, Jag. Destiny has stolen from them their freedom of choice. 

So much more story to tell yet but what a tragic beginning for them.

What are your thoughts?