Chapter Nine

                                    

                                          
This text has been translated to a language you can understand
Ezra stood in front of his family in the debrief room; Tau looked suspicious, Bellae looked curious, and Fritillary looked indifferent. Atlas was nearby, but was sitting on the outskirts of the table, seemingly content to just watch. 
I was off to the side, standing near the other advisors. Ignea was next to me, giving me a friendly smile that I returned. 
Okay, Ezra announced, perched at the head of the table. Tracey and I went to speak to people in the western sector, and we learned that there are a lot of problems. Specifically, many of the Chiros have problems with US, the monarchy. 
Of course they do, Tau interrupted. They don't like being governed, when they could be busy being savages with their time instead. 
Father, they aren't savages, Ezra argued. Their complaints were valid though, and I want to share them with everyone so we can come up with solutions. 
What were their complaints? Bellae inquired. We've tried to meet them halfway on things for a long time, I'm surprised there was more they found fault with. 
Chiros just like to complain, Tau repeated. They'll never be satisfied with anything we do, they're greedy.  Here he looked at me, eyes narrowed. I steeled myself, forcing myself not to react to the blatant insult to me and my kind. 
Atlas finally spoke up: Tau, that's enough. Listen to Ezra. 
Tau's ears dropped, but he didn't say anything. 
Thank you grandfather, Ezra said, his shoulders sagging with relief. Um, first thing they were upset about: They aren't allowed in the Mound except for Consults. They say this is a hindrance when they need help with something but can't get to us for it until Consults open. 
That's what the police force is for, Bellae pointed out. We don't really let anyone into the Mound most days, not just Chiros; the police force will bring problems to us when we can help with it. 
They say that the police force brush them off, Ezra explained. They say that no one listens. 
Bellae frowned, but she nodded. Okay. Then I will stop by the headquarters and see about it. 
Ezra beamed at her, then continued. Related to that, they don't like how the police force is organized. Lepidopterans are allowed to be officers, but a Chiro can only be an officer if they have a Lepidopteran supervisor accompanying them at all times. They think this is unfair. 
Tau scoffed. That's for everyone's safety. Chiros are dangerous, and they shouldn't be in positions of power like that unsupervised. They're stronger than us, and capable of inflicting more damage. They would be unfair on the force alone; they need to be managed at all times. 
Bellae glanced between her mate and Ezra, looking conflicted, but she said, Ezra, we will put some thought into that. He is right in that originally that rule was put into place for the safety of Lepidopterans, but perhaps...perhaps it is outdated. 
The prince nodded. Okay. Please put some thought into it. 
What else were they worried about? Fritillary asked, clasping his hands together on the table. 
My heart sank as Ezra continued to explain the things he'd heard, and kept getting half promises in response. 
'We'll think about it' was said; 'we'll reevaluate that' was said.