Confronting the council

Archie stood in front of the large door, nerves wracking his body. Anxiety and fiery determination burned at his body. Sally came to mind as the idea of what the future held invaded his thoughts. He'd dropped off the orb as he'd promised, and had found reason enough to talk to the elders it meant not sticking around to find out what it was.

When finally the door opened, he took a deep breath and walked into the chamber. Inside, all five of the council members sat in a large pool. He waded in to join them.

<Alpha...you said this was about the situation from before. This matter is supposed to be resolved.>

<It was...but new evidence has come to light. We should reconsider.>

<If we do, the humans are more likely to reject us our asylum. We cannot risk that.>

<It may be...that there is an argument to be made for fewer concessions to the humans. The child you made an exception for->

<Was enough of a push already. The humans were already wary of allowing it.>

<And he has the brightest mind of our pod...please. Simply speak to him. He has...odd ideas...but they are still worth consideration.>

<We sent him out to learn why we must keep our society pure, not find arguments to corrupt it!>

<Just once...listen to him. That is all I ask of you.>

The five withered members of the council blinked in rapid succession with curiosity, agitation, caution, confusion, and finally showed an agreement of affirmation. <Three days. In three days his first check-in is due. We will accompany you then.>

He shimmered with gratitude before taking his leave. He hoped that was right...as hard as he is on his pod, he still loves them all. If it meant even the two anomalous ones could be truly happy, he had to try.