In a few hours, word had made it up the chain and a blackhawk helicopter came from the distance. We could see it coming from much farther away that the humans on the ground. A man with army fatigues and camouflage cap stepped off the helicopter. From the way the cops backed up and gave him all the space he needed, I knew he was important. He walked up to us and said "Greetings. I am General Daquan Ling of the Eastki Army. Welcome to our humble land." He did not look happy to see us. In fact, he seemed quite annoyed. I introduced our group and once again said that we wanted to have asylum in Eastki. He sighed and looked at us. "I am well aware of the request. We have yet to consider whether or not to accept that request." he said. "Why not? We need help." Babybird said testily. "They'll kill us if we go back home!" Hatchling added. He looked at them and asked where home was. I stepped in before they could say it. "It is not certain that we will be staying. You haven't even decided to consider the request. If you don't want us here, give us some fuel and we will be off." I said.
Going somewhere else was fine. Having them snitch on us to Ixiti was not something that would make our lives easier. It would only make things difficult. The general said "You'll stay here until I return. Do not make any sudden moves." he commanded. We nodded our heads. He turned and got the attention of one of the police officers with a stern glance. "Take me to the control tower. I have to make some arrangements for them to stay here for the time being." he said. The sergeant looked at that officer and said "Do it." They rode off and the rest were waiting with us. After they returned a few hours later, we were given a hangar to rest in. That was fine with us. As it had a large area, we could stretch out a bit and relax. General Ling addressed us the next day with a female assistant. She had a tape recorder. He said "After quickly consulting all the relevant officials, we have reached a decision." He let that hang in the air. "What was it!?" Boomie asked in frustration. "We have decided to accept your request. Why are you here? Tell me. My assistant can fill out all the paperwork." he said.
Hearing that, I smiled. That was the first hurdle down. They could have easily refused us on the basis that we were not human. I then told them the harrowing story of the corruption of Ixiti and what happened to us at the northern base in detail. Each of them had a story to tell. Gamma about being harassed. Wideload and Boomie on the rape they had been through at the hands of the veterans. Babybird and Hatchling about the tragedy of their clutch mate, Bouncer. It had the general grimace and nod in sympathy. "I knew that those in the sphere of Ixiti were degenerates, but to think that they would fall so far..." he muttered to himself. We all had excellent hearing and picked it up. When we were finished, he looked at each of us and said "Do not feel ashamed of what happened to you. Those that dishonored you and themselves are the ones that should be ashamed." That was a nice thing to say. Wideload and Boomie were shocked. "You all have a warrior spirit. I will see what I can do." the general added before leaving us all. Things seemed to be going well. We just had to wait in here.
