CHAPTER 12
Korban slid into the meeting place just as Ambassador Teric’s ship arrived. Both shuttles approached the Candorian freighter at the same time, attaching to side-by-side docking rings. Captain Koal, Ambassador Kredor, Commander Tref, and Shar Jalon waited patiently inside.
“I wish to see my intended.”
Captain Koal motioned them to a nearby conference room. “The daughter of my heart does not wish to cooperate with the retrieval of more females from her home world. I’m certain you can understand why.”
“You have taken her mother to mate? You were only supposed to transport her.”
“My family affairs are private. You must know this meeting will go badly for you if you cannot stay focused on the business at hand. Lady Selene will see you afterwards.”
“Her mother and sisters are safe?”
“Even now, they refresh themselves in my water.”
“That will have to be good enough.”
Ambassador Teric spoke up. “Would it be possible to at least see them, even if they will not speak to me?”
“No. I guard my family closely.” Koal’s tone left no room for argument.
Shar Jalon spoke. “I will present my information first. We have much to report. Ambassador Teric, we have adapted the multi-language bacteria to translate two of the human tongues without incident. Per the directive of His Royal Highness, the Imperial Emperor, we have integrated two Earth tongues. The first is English, which is now the dominate language spoken on Earth. The second language was Japanese. These cases contain over two 0hundred doses. Use them wisely.”
S0har Jalon shoved the cases towards Teric, before continuing.
“We thank you.” Teric murmured diplomatically.
“We have made an extensive study of Lady Selene and cross matched biological samples against Krylon, Shardon and Candorian DNA as well as several dozen other species. Human biology is very adaptable. It is clear that human females are biologically compatible with every other species we’ve matched. Cross-species breeding is not only possible but with their high degree of fertility and the fact that they ovulate roughly twelve times per year, it is very probable.”
“That is good news. We suspected as much.” Korban leaned forward.
“I have spoken to my brother and he refuses to share human brides with my home world. Therefore, I ask that you carry this message to him. Tell him that the Imperial Princess Shafra and I break with the imperial family. From this day forward, we go our separate ways with the fleet stationed on the Sylon home world. We will no longer pay any member of the imperial family tribute. Tell him to think carefully about his response, because failure to accept our terms means war.”
Ambassador Teric paled at the shocking announcement. “I will repeat you message exactly. If I can be of further assistance, do not hesitate to let me know.”
“If all are in agreement, you are dismissed.”
There was no objection, so Teric left with his doses of the newly synthesized multi-language bacteria.
Shar Jalon noted awkwardly. “That was very unpleasant.”
Captain Koal chimed in his opinion. “I would have advised against such a bold move, Prince Korban. It would be impossible for any of us to stand against the imperial family and survive, you least of all.”
“I have no intention of standing alone. If the three of us form an alliance, none can defeat us. My sparsely populated planet has seven large continents, each rich in minerals and endless hectors of oceans. Though the land is fertile, it has little in the way of natural flora and fauna, but our oceans are teeming with beautiful coral and sea life. I believe it is time for the Candorian people to have a home world. We will soon be family, Captain Koal. That alone is reason enough to band together. I offer you my protection, my trust, and the oceans of my home world for your people. You were once good stewards of your world, therefore there is little doubt in my mind that you will care properly for the waters of my home world. Let my waters be your waters, Koal.”
Recovering from the astonishment of being offered a new home world, Koal answered immediately. “I accept your generous offer. The Candorian people will live, work, and fight at your side from this day forward.”
Turning to Shar Jalon, Korban continued. “The Shardon could also benefit from a place of respite in this sector. A secure place where you could establish a new community of clones with human brides. I will gift you with the empty continent of your choice and share our technology. You could assist us in studying more about our failing female genome. The work we do in that regard alone will secure us inclusion in the Galactic Council of Worlds. The Shardon could mine and trade in the minerals on your continent. You could have a very good life on Sylon.”
“More importantly, if the three of us join together, we could petition Earth Gov for a trade treaty, exchanging females for the raw materials that are so abundant on my home world. I know the Candorian people have an abundance of females, so perhaps your share could be traded among your allies. I’m certain that between Shar Jalon and myself, we could arrange a trade you would be happy with.”
Shar Jalon spoke. “This sounds like a dream come true, for my people are far from home and often discriminated against when it comes to trade. I would accept such an offer and be grateful to have it.”
“It is settled. Instead of a king, my world will have three princes, each responsible for ruling our own people. We will meet every quarter to ensure the arrangement continues to work and solve problems as they arise.”
Shar Jalon nodded. “If you would each like to send you ambassadors, we can begin work on the treaty with Earth Gov. I have dared to dream of having a female of my own. Now, I find myself eager to hurry the process.”
“As the only one of the three of us with no human bride, I say let you be the first to choose from among the humans we procure.”
“Thank you, my prince.”
“No need to be so formal, Shar Jalon. We are all now princes, are we not? If it pleases you both, I would like to visit my intended.”
Koal stood. “I invite you both to my quarters for a small celebration of our good fortune. The women await us.”
“We have much to celebrate.”
Being reunited with his intended was an emotional event for Korban. As soon as they entered the room, she flew into his arms. Holding her fast, he couldn’t bear to let her go. Thankfully, she seemed to have no intention of letting him go either. He finally swept her up in his arms and carried her to the settee.
Koal sat with Emily at his side. “We have news.” Gesturing to Prince Korban, he took Amie from Jacob and settled her onto his lap.”
Clearing his throat, Korban spoke. “I am sorry to say that my home world will never have a king. We have elected on three princes instead. I have broken ties with the imperial family in favor of forming an alliance with the Candorian and Shardon. Koal will establish the first Candorian settlement on the floor of our oceans on the Sylon home world. The Shardon will form a colony on one of our unused continents. Together, we will approach Earth Gov with a treaty to exchange brides for the much-needed raw minerals on our home world.”
Elaine spoke up. “Selene and I have discussed this new interest other worlds have shown in human women. We believe that it would be best to put some safety protocols in place. It will make Earth Gov more comfortable dealing with us and ensure we are respecting their rights.”
Selene interjected excitedly. “We talked about setting up some sort of lottery system by which the males are preselected to meet with groups of women. If women come looking for husbands, they will be quick to snap up the ones they’re attracted to. If we leave the coms open to Earth, the women will naturally contact their loved ones back home and report on their positive experiences.”
“That sounds like a win for everyone.”
Shar Jalon asked curiously. “Do you think the human females will accept clones as mates or should we just focus on gathering samples to enhance our efforts at diversity?”
Selene grinned. “Are you kidding? Your clones are sexy, adaptable, and fun to be around. I’d say they will be the first chosen.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that. I’ve warmed to the idea of having a mate, as impossible as that sounds.”
“Don’t sell yourself short, Shar Jalon. If I hadn’t met Korban first, I’d have been interested in a Shardon husband. Where’s Jacob anyway? I’m sure he has something to contribute to this conversation.”
“It thrills to know we will be on the same world, Selene. I will need all the assistance I can get in catching the notice of a potential mate.”
Korban pulled her back into his arms. “You will find him a mate, straight away. I do not like the way he looks at you.”
Selene laughed at his not-so-subtle teasing.