The envoys returned through displacement, materializing in the diplomatic wing of the ship grass still clinging to their boots, alchemical energy fading from their clothes.
Zack was already waiting.
Not physically.
Every camera,biometric sensor, implant in their nervous systems had already transmitted the entire encounter to him in real time.
But now, he met them face-to-face or rather, face-to-interface.
A holographic window opened in the air behind him, replaying the meeting in slow motion.
Sound muted.
Expressions exaggerated.
Eyes.
Breathing.
Pupil dilation.
Muscle twitch.
Weight distribution.
Zack didn't see two old alchemists.
He saw patterns.
Aldric spoke first.
"They did not reject us."
Zack nodded once.
"Correct."
Seraphine added:
"They chose another meeting. Alone. Which means interest and caution."
Zack zoomed in on Perenelle's expression during Aldric's final sentence.
Her gaze sharp. Calculating. Testing.
He matched her microexpressions against psychological models.
> RESULT:
She does not fear us.
measuring us.
Zack spoke:
> "Nicholas is curious.
Perenelle is protective."
Aldric exhaled.
"That felt accurate."
Zack adjusted the projection.
"Observe."
The image showed Nicholas' reaction when the word invitation was spoken.
His heartbeat slowed.
shoulders relaxed.
eyes sharpened.
Zack narrated:
> "Nicholas responds to respect.
Not dominance or flattery."
Then Perenelle:
Her reaction was opposite controlled tension, defensive posture, subtle magical activation beneath her skin.
> "She responds to threat.
Even implied threat."
Seraphine folded her arms.
"So she's the one who must be convinced."
"No," Zack replied.
Both envoys looked at him.
Zack turned toward the projection and magnified the center frame where Nicholas and Perenelle exchanged a single, brief look before answering.
So small no unaided eye would notice it.
The look wasn't question.
It wasn't request, agreement.
Zack explained:
> "They are not two minds.
They are one system."
Aldric blinked.
"A bonded pair."
Zack nodded.
> "A millennium together.
They no longer think separately."
He continued:
> "Convincing one is insufficient.
The invitation must appeal to the union."
Seraphine frowned slightly.
"That makes negotiation harder."
Zack answered softly:
> "No.
It makes it precise."
THE STRATEGY SHIFT
Another projection materialized: behavioral probability matrices.
Columns of:
curiosity
caution
greed
pride
self-preservation
philosophical motive
moral boundary
existential fear
The Flamels ranked unusually low in fear and unusually high in purpose.
Zack highlighted the result:
> "They do not seek more life.
They seek meaning in the life they already extended."
Seraphine's expression softened understanding.
"So immortality became… hollow."
Aldric murmured:
"After hundreds of years, they stopped running from death… and started running from irrelevance."
Zack confirmed:
> "Correct."
He projected the negotiation plan:
Old Version:
Offer power
Offer lifespan
Appeal to curiosity
Present mutual benefit
New Version:
Appeal to legacy
Offer relevance
Share purpose
Provide challenge
Respect autonomy
Seraphine smiled slowly.
"That… will reach them."
Zack finished the update:
> "They must not feel absorbed.
Must feel invited to help shape the future."
Aldric exhaled.
"So the tone becomes… partnership."
Zack's eyes glowed faintly.
> "Partnership is the most stable form of control."
Seraphine raised a brow.
"That sounds paradoxical."
Zack turned to her the faintest trace of humanity in his voice.
> "Good diplomacy always is."
THE NEXT STEP
A final display appeared a seed-shaped crystal schematic.
"Phase Two," Zack said, "requires a gesture."
Aldric leaned forward.
"A gift?"
"No," Zack corrected.
> "A promise."
"What kind?" Seraphine asked.
Zack answered:
> "Proof that we can give what they have long feared losing."
Aldric paused.
"…Their humanity?"
Zack shook his head.
Slowly.
Almost reverently.
> "Their purpose."
The room fell still.
Not silent
Expectant.
Zack concluded:
> "Tomorrow's meeting is not negotiation.
It is recognition."
He turned away already processing, predicting, calculating pathways branching into future centuries.
The envoys stood quietly, absorbing the weight of what awaited them.
As they left the chamber, The Network hummed.
The future was no longer approaching.
It was unfolding.