The Time of Change

Compromising

"We lived on the surface of the planet long before you did," Eldane tells us, though not unkindly. "Our sole purpose has simply been to return to our rightful place."

As if for emphasis, Nasreen taps her hand on the table as she speaks. "We've got a planet that already can't sustain the people who live there, and you want to add a whole other species to drain our resources."

I glance between them uncomfortably, unable to find a place to insert my own opinion. Have I even got one? My thoughts on this matter are the same as they are on every matter: a naïve, childish dream that everyone can be happy and get everything they want. The reality is that that may not be possible. Nasreen is right; Earth is slowly withering away because of the damage the humans have done to its ecosystem and atmosphere. Could the planet support a whole other race of sentient and intelligent beings? I have to believe so. Everybody deserves a chance, and as ambassadors for our species, we all have so much to lose.

Suddenly an idea strikes me, and I uncharacteristically cut Nasreen off in the middle of her next sentence. "What about the areas that aren't habitable to humans?" I suggest. "Australian outback, Sahara Desert, Nevada plains. They're all deserted."

"Yes, fine," says Nasreen, "but what happens when their population grows and breeds and spreads? And anyway, what benefit does humanity get? How will we ever sell this to the people on the surface?" Her tone is flat and disbelieving, implying that she sees no upside for the human race. I feel a flutter of unease because it sounds like she may be giving up.

"If I could get a word in, maybe I could tell you," Eldane remarks. I half-smile. Nasreen takes on an embarrassed expression, but he has her attention now. "You give us space," he says, "we can bring new sources of energy, new methods of water supply, new medicines, and scientific advances. We were a great civilization. If you provide a place for us on the surface, we'll give you knowledge and technology beyond humanity's dreams. If we work together, this planet could achieve greatness."

There is a slight silence following his monologue in which he watches us intently, gauging our reactions. I briefly wonder if Homo Reptilia can read minds. If so, then he must know that I am on the side of the Silurians. As long as the majority is not like Restac, there is no reason not to allow them access to the home they once had. After all, it was theirs to begin with. Eldane's tired yellow eyes fall on me like he heard my thoughts, and he raises his scaly eyebrows, a slight smile on his face. I bite my lip and glance at Nasreen. His promises of bettering humanity seem to have increased her faith in the plight; I see an excited flame alight behind her brown eyes. She looks at me as if for confirmation, and I return a propitious smile.

"Okay," Nasreen says slowly. "Okay, now I'm starting to see it."

I laugh. "Oh, yeah."

The doors at the end of the courtroom open again, and in walk the Doctor, Mo, and the boy I recognize as Mo's son, Elliot. I smile at the trio as they approach, hoping Elliot knows that his father was willing to fight and die for him. The child beams at me like he's known me all his life.

"I'm Elliot," he whispers when he's near enough, sticking his hand out for me to take, "and you're really pretty."

In a strange turn of events, Mo is the one who flushes a deep red while I giggle. "Thank you, Elliot," I reply as I shake his small hand. "My name's Annalise."

"At least save the flirting for when I'm not around, would you?" the Doctor quips, coming to stand behind my chair. I roll my eyes. He reaches his hand down and rests it gently on my shoulder. "Not bad for a first session," he adds with a knowing look at Nasreen. "More similarities than differences, hmm?"

There's a definite note of I told you so in his voice, but I just smile at him.