The rest of the day was a whirlwind of meetings and dignitaries from around the planet. She had been paraded around like a prized poodle at the Westminster dog show. When she and Leigh finally settled down for dinner with the Queen, Kings, Looch, and Zara, she was too tired to eat. She was thankful Councilman Cerin wasn’t in attendance. She needed her wits about her to deal with that man. Jessie didn’t trust him as far as a fox in a hen house.

Looch noticed Jessie wasn’t eating and pushed several pieces of Meekie fruit towards Leigh. Leigh took the hint and cut them up into bite-sized pieces for her, and as he placed the fork to her mouth to take a bite, he said, “Looch remembered you enjoy the Meekie fruit. Please eat some.”

As Jessie took the fruit into her mouth, she lifted her gaze to Looch and then to Zara. Zara looked almost hurt at Leigh’s confession of Looch trying to comfort a female which wasn’t his to comfort. It wasn’t Zara’s fault they were all in this mess. Jessie didn’t want her to feel bad. “Zara, on the trip from Earth I commented to Looch and Leigh that I enjoyed the Meekie fruit, but I never told them why.” She leaned closer to Zara and Zara reciprocated in kind. “The Meekie fruit tastes like a combination of my two favorite fruits on Earth; pineapple and raspberries. Maybe when some of your scientists go back to Earth, they can harvest some, and you can be the first Arenian to try them. Would you like to try some Earth food?”

Zara gave Jessie a soft smile and quietly answered, “Yes, I’d love too.”

“I’m glad Zara, I hope you and I can be good friends.”

The meal continued and by the time dessert was served Jessie couldn’t keep her eyes open and gave in to the urge to lay her head against Leigh’s shoulder. It only took a few moments before she was fast asleep. She vaguely remembered being carried to their room and being undressed by gentle but amble hands.

~~~~~~~~

The next morning, Jessie was barely dressed before Queen Maya strolled in and asked if she was ready. She smiled at the Queen. “As much as I’ll ever be.” Leigh led his mother and Jessie out into the hall to be met by Raiden, Taavi, Looch, and Zara. They all travelled to the coliseum in virtual silence.

Everything was just like King Taavi said it would be. The men were all holding banners which were attached to a staff, so when they were raised, they could be seen by all from the dais. Men, young and old alike were all lined up on the field with a center aisle for the women to come down.

Queen Maya didn’t waste any time and started with a short announcement. “I thank you all for coming today. The reality is, not all will find their chosen today and for that, I’m sorry. I’m happy to announce we have our first Earthling and Arenian choosing. The Arenian females will go first to show there’s nothing to fear on this joyous occasion. Although there are many Earth females, most are not ready to accept their mate due to the horrible atrocities they suffered at the hands of their planet’s males. Doubt, fear, hesitation, and confusion complicate their minds and heart. Please give extra consideration to these females.” Queen Maya was now smiling like a Cheshire cat. “With that said, I feel there’s promise in the air. Let the choosing commence.”

Queen Maya sat on her throne with Taavi and Raiden at her sides. To the left of Taavi were Looch and Zara and to the right of Raiden were Leigh and Jessie. She was in awe of how right it felt Taavi and Raiden catered to Maya. Their triad union looked as natural as breathing. There was no jealousy, snide remarks or resentment towards each other. There was just…love, pure unadulterated love. It was beautiful. Jessie wondered if that’s what it would have been like with Looch and Leigh? She guessed she might never know.

The first Arenian female seductively sauntered down the center aisle with her arms outstretched in nothing more than a bejeweled bikini. She was truly stunning, but Jessie’s shock was obviously evident on her face because Leigh gracefully leaned over and explained fewer clothes were better so the male may genuinely scent his ayah. Just as he finished his explanation, sure enough, an Arenian male in the third row back raised his banner. “She’s not even halfway down the aisle. How does he know for sure? What if another guy raises his banner?” She quickly asked.

“He knows from her scent, just like Looch knew you were ours… or I guess mine. Your scent calls to me. A male won’t risk losing his one chance being with his ayah; additionally, the mark won’t present itself on the female if they are not true mates. Watch, the mark will appear on the female.”

Since the man holding the banner with three symbols on it was very close to the dais, he waited for the woman to come to him. When the Arenian female finally reached the dais, two other men joined them. She guessed it was the man’s brothers. Suddenly she could see a white symbol appearing on the woman’s thigh. She showed it to the males surrounding her and the Queen. Jessie couldn’t help but smile because the woman was brimming with happiness and the men looked like a huge weight had been lifted from their shoulders.

Queen Maya stood and curtsied to the four Arenians. “May love guide your union.”

The four bowed to her, and when they were done, one of the men picked up the woman in a hug and passionately kissed her. When the first one put her down the second picked her up, and when that man put her down, the third did the same. Two of the men flanked her side, and the third walked behind her, virtually encasing her in safety as they walked to the side to exit the arena.

Queen Maya turned to Jessie and smiled. “See my dear, that’s all there is to it. It’s a joyful occasion for all. Now that the first union has taken place, the rest will go quickly until we get to the Earth females.”

“Sounds great. I’m humbled by how much love is shown by virtual strangers. It’s quite beautiful.”

Leigh smiled as he took Jessie’s hand and kissed the back of it. “I couldn’t agree more.”

Queen Maya was correct; things did progress very quickly. All the Arenian’s seemed to know what they wanted and apparently wanted to get it over with so they could start their lives together. Whenever one male would raise his banner and left the arena to be with his ayah the remaining males would systematically move down the line towards the dais. This would make room for more males to come to the back and be in the arena.

Out of the small number of Arenian females, ten didn’t find their mates within the arena. Queen Maya trudged forward and asked them to come to the next choosing which would be soon as there are so many Earth women to place. Jessie couldn’t help, but see the devastation in their eyes but the women did what they were asked.

After a brief intermission for food and drinks, Queen Maya announced it was the Earth female’s turn. Jessie was so nervous for all the women. She didn’t know if she could have done the same thing as these women, nor did she know if any women were going to go through with this.

Regally Queen Maya spoke, “Warriors, please don’t raise your banner until the first Earthling has made her way to me. After I speak with her, I’ll ask you to come forward.”

When the doors at the end of the field finally opened, Jessie was shocked to see Dawn emerge as the first Earth woman. Even Leigh sat forward and whispered, “Is that Dawn?”

Jessie was speechless, so she just nodded. She sat there in awe of Dawn’s strength as she walked down the aisle towards them. When Dawn finally reaches the dais, she bowed to the Kings and Queen. Maya descends from her throne to meet the woman at the bottom of the stairs. “Dear child, what’s your name?”

“Dawn ma’am.”

“Dawn…what a delightful name for an exquisite female. I thank you for being the first of many true unions. You are a brave soul, and I know you won’t be disappointed. Your name is fitting as Dawn is alluring name for a new beginning. I know the union between your chosen will be bountiful in love. Now then, since this is only about twenty-five percent of our unbonded males, let us hope your chosen is here.”

“Wait!” Jessie squeaked out. “I know her. Can I talk to her first?”

“Of course, there’s no rush.”

Jessie made her way down to Dawn and the Queen and didn’t waste any time asking Dawn, “Are you sure this is what you want?”

With tears brimming in Dawn’s eyes she looked at the Queen then back to Jessie. “My life was pretty crappy before MEDS hit the East coast. I had a father who beat me, and my mother was strung out on whatever drugs she could get her hands on. I was in and out of foster care, which wasn’t much better. In my adult life, I’ve had to fight for everything.” Dawn sighed. “There was an old guy named Art, who came by a community center I stayed at occasionally when I didn’t want to sleep on the streets. He helped me out from time to time when I needed something. It turns out he owned a gym where he taught boxing to underprivileged kids. He asked me if I wanted to work for him cleaning the place and in turn, he would let me stay on a cot in back. Food was included if I cooked and ate it with him in the gym’s kitchen.” Dawn smiled making the unshed tears fall. “He was the best father figure I could ever ask for. He was firm and unwavering and yet so kind and patient with me. He taught me boxing which didn’t take long to get me interested in MMA fighting. Since I started boxing when I was eighteen and then trained for MMA fighting it was hard to get anyone to look at me for some real competition fighting. I was almost ready to try and start clawing my way up through ranks when MEDS hit the east coast.” Dawn hiccupped with a sob but continued. “One morning, I was in back making Art breakfast when a couple of the guys broke into the gym. I didn’t know it at the time, but Art was up front trying to reason with them and get them to leave.” Dawn took a deep shuddering breath in through her nose. “They beat Art to death then came after me. I was able to escape and hide. Later I came back, wrapped Art in a sheet and said my goodbyes. I guess what I’m trying to say is…I’m tired. I’m tired of fighting for everything, except the one thing I wanted…love. I’m ready for the prospect of love. One of these guys seems to know I’m the most important thing in their lives and I’m ready to try and make them the most important thing in mine.”

Queen Maya hugged Dawn and then turned to Jessie. “Jessie, it’s time. She has made her choice. Be happy for her. She will be ensconced in love as all females should be.” Queen Maya raised her voice to address the crowd as she grabbed Dawn’s hand in her own and lifted it towards the sky. “Let the choosing begin. Who claims this lovely female? Raise your banner and come forth.”

A banner immediately shot up, and a male from the far end of the field made his way quickly to the dais. While the man approached them, Jessie looked at the hologram of the banner the man was carrying, and it showed two symbols, indicating two brothers were claiming Dawn. When he reached Dawn, he smiled at her and Dawn nervously smiled back. They stood there not saying a word but, continuously smiling at each other as they waited for their third to come from the outer vestibule.

Finally, when the other brother came forward, he smiled at Dawn then turned his attention towards his brother. He clasped his brother on the shoulder and gleefully boasted, “You’ve done well my brother.” He then took Dawn’s hand in his. “There’s nothing to fear; you’re magnificent to us. I hope you find us appealing.”

A flush crossed Dawn’s face, and she looked at both of them up and down. “What’s not to like? You guys are gorgeous.”

Queen Maya quietly interrupted them and asked, “What are your names warriors?”

“Bahdoo and Arock your majesty.”

“Dawn, does Bahdoo and Arock please you?”

Dawn looked at both men then to the Queen and simply said, “Yes.”

The men enfolded Dawn in their arms showing all the love they plan on giving her. Dawn was a little taken aback at first, but then returned their hug. Everyone in the coliseum whooped and hollered in celebration of the first union. Dawn looked to Jessie and smiled then nodded to signify she’d be all right. Jessie smiled back, but noticed Dawn kept scratching at her forearm. The Queen must’ve noticed it too, because she finally asked, “Dawn, is there something wrong?”

“No your majesty, I’m just a little itchy. It’s no big deal. I think I’m just allergic to something around here.”

Queen Maya came forward again to inspect Dawn’s arm and noticed the mark. Dawn finally realized it too, because she gasped in fright. “My dear child, do not fear. This is a marvelous sign. This means your heart is open and accepting of these two fine males. They will love you until the day they die as will you to them.”

Bahdoo and Arock were ecstatic. “Dawn, you bare our marks.”

Jessie looked over at Looch to find him staring dreamily at Bahdoo, Arock, and Dawn. Looch must’ve sensed her looking at him because he glanced back at Jessie and caught her eye. With a smile which Jessie could only characterize as regret Looch slowly nodded at her.

The choosing continued with several other Earth females. Most did not develop the mark but, there were a few who did. The Earth females who were not ready to take part in the choosing, but had made friends with women who found mates, could go with them to help with the housing shortage for all the Earth females. When they’re ready, they will return later for a choosing.

Jessie noticed even though the choosing had taken most of the day, the male’s numbers never dwindled because when one would leave with his mate, a new man would take his place. When no more Earth females came forward, Queen Maya was about to dismiss the crowd when one of the Arenian males raised his banner. Queen Maya called him forward. He bowed and said, “My Queen, our ayah resides within these walls. I can scent her. What if she’s never ready?”

“Are there others who scent their true mate? If so, please raise your banner.” Over fifty men did so. Queen Maya dismissed the other males on the field who had not found their ayah and asked the fifty or so men to go up into the stands to stand next to their female. The men scrambled to get to their ayah as quick as they could. Some were so fast it shocked some of the women, and they became fearful of the males.

Jessie was appalled. “Please don’t do this Queen Maya. The women are not ready. You said you wouldn’t force them.”

“Calm yourself, Jessie. I won’t force their hand. They still have a choice in the matter. I’m just presenting the bond as an opportunity.” Queen Maya then turned and addressed the crowd, asking if any were interested in a bond. Some said yes but, there were a few who still were not ready. The men looked so dejected, but were respectful and left the arena without their mate.

After the choosing was finally complete King Raiden dismissed everyone. “Jessie, we will have a small celebratory meal tonight at the palace. I expect your friends to be in attendance as well. We were able to facilitate many unions today. On behalf of Queen Maya, King Taavi and myself, we thank you for your insight and help with the choosing.” He then bowed to Jessie.