CHAPTER 1

Rose sat at the dinner table toying with her food. Her mind was preoccupied with how to broach the subject weighing on her mind. She doubted her parents would understand but this was the opportunity of a lifetime for her. A way to make all her dreams come true. Granted it wasn’t without risks, but most things worth having required backbone and daring.

She could see her facial features distorted back at her in the bulbous wine glass and gleaming flatware. Shoulder-length platinum-blond hair, pale skin, and ice blue eyes mocked her, making her feel plain and colorless. No one would ever know how she longed for striking red hair and green eyes like her friend, Jennifer. Putting down her fork, she pulled her finely tailored tunic sleeve down slightly.

Her father spoke with a wave of his fork that would’ve been considered unacceptable if they were in a public setting. The high-ranking ambassador could get away with mannerisms at home that would taint his professional image elsewhere. Her mother, as always, hung on his every word. Their every spare moment for the last month had been spent discussing the pending request for trade negotiations by the Krylon home world.

The wealthy and politically well-connected alien world wanted to open a dialogue about trading food and metals for the one and only natural resource still plentiful on Earth. The supplies were much needed by Earth Government who could no longer support its growing population. The mere idea had sent shockwaves through their world. Some were all for the idea but others were furious at the mere suggestion of such a trade.

Her mother complained softly. “I don’t know how I feel about trading in human beings. It smacks of human trafficking. I can’t imagine Earth Gov would agree to such a thing.”

Her father’s crisp Eastern accent gave his voice an air of authority. “Desperate times call for desperate measures, my dear. Earth is a dying world. We can no longer afford the luxury of moral principles. We are one of the few worlds with a surplus of women of child-bearing age.”

“It’s not fair to ask families to give up their daughters. It’ll be the last we see of those women. Mark my words, Jefferson. No good will come out of this.”

It was just the segue into the conversation Rose was looking for to press her point. “Perhaps you won’t have to ask. I’ve seen the holographic videos our scouts brought back. The planet is beautiful. Can you imagine going outside without a particulate respirator? Feeling the sun on your face without having to worry about UV rays? They still go to the beach and swim in their oceans. It’s like Earth that was, before we destroyed it all.”

Somehow, her enthusiasm evaporated when she got to the part about how the population of Earth had allowed ruthless corporations to divest the planet of its natural resources, leaving it desolate and virtually uninhabitable.

Her father smiled, showing little wrinkles around his clear blue eyes. “You seem very much taken with Krylon, my dear.”

“I was just pointing out that maybe you won’t have to ask families to give up their daughters. I’m sure a lot of young women would jump at the chance to live on such a beautiful and modern world.”

Her mother’s lips pressed into a firm line. “You heard the part about it being for brides only, right, cupcake?”

She squirmed under her mother’s disapproving expression. “We all have to get married sometime, right?”

The older woman replied tartly. “Women who end up in alien hands might find themselves seriously regretting the decision.”

“Well, I’d consider it an honor to be chosen for the exchange. Regardless of how agreeable my husband is, I’d get a beautiful new home world and the opportunity to have more than one child. The people of Earth must survive somehow; this solution makes sense all the way around. Some of us take our civic duty seriously. I can’t be the only one who feels that way.”

Her father looked at her speculatively. “You’re still very young.”

Rose continued, diligently making her case. “I’m twenty-two. I have a college degree and you know that I’ve always wanted to be an ambassador, like you. Being chosen as the first Earth bride would put me in a good position for that type of service. Didn’t they say they wanted brides for their high-status ambassadors first?”

Her father stroked his chin as he carefully considered her words. Fitting her with a well-to-do husband had always been preying at the back of his mind. Finding a suitable match on Earth was a problem. There were so many more women than men; human males were choosey and their families demanding. Since the surface had become unlivable, underground space was at a premium. Rose had always wanted her child to have a brother or sister. That was strictly against the rules on Earth. Her idea had merit but he was cautious; so little was known of the Krylon home world.

Her mother mused thoughtfully. “I can’t say I like the idea of our Rose being the first bride. There are too many unknown variables.”

Rose got excited because they didn’t immediately shoot her idea down.

Her father spoke. “I’m inclined to at least hear them out and see if we can arrange a treaty with enough fail-safe protections that I feel comfortable with you participating. I’m interested only because you’ll have a substantially better quality of life on their world. There will be little chance for you to find a happily ever after on Earth, Rose.”

His dark tone spooked her a little.

“Why do I get the feeling there’s something you’re not telling me?”

He swallowed thickly. “Let’s just say our resources are compromised to the point that we have very little negotiating power left. Earth Gov needs this treaty and others like it to sustain our people. If this one isn’t what we’re looking for, I’ll keep trying with other member worlds. We’ll get you somewhere nice with treaty provisions that ensure you’re protected and well cared for.”

“In other words, don’t fall in love with Krylon culture because it might not be happening for me?”

“Exactly. You can come and witness the negotiations if you like. The Krylon ambassador himself will be the first in line for a bride.”

She grinned. “You want me to have a little peak and see if I even like him?”

Her mother quipped sarcastically. “Liking your husband makes a world of difference if you plan to be together for a lifetime.”

“Wait. You don’t think he’s some old fart, do you?”

Her father smiled indulgently. “I’ve talked to him on holo-vid. He’s in the prime of his life. They have very advanced medical facilities on Krylon. They take anti-aging drugs, ensuring they live to be well over two hundred years old.”

Doing a little fist pump, Rose explained enthusiastically. “I feel like I just hit the jackpot.”

Her mother laughed. “It used to be that earthlings were afraid of space travel and alien species.”

Rose beamed at her parents. “Most women would travel the entire width of the galaxy twice for clean air and the chance to have a real family.”

“Don’t go telling everyone about the program yet. We don’t know how reasonable the Krylon delegation will be. There may not end up being a treaty. Even if there is, a good number of humans will be furious about it. I don’t want to take any chances with your safety.”

Jumping up out of her seat, she slung her arms around the older man’s neck. “I promise to keep it on the down low.”

She turned and hurried towards the stairs, intent on enjoying the rest of the evening in the company of her friends.

Her mother’s voice brought her to a stop before she could bound down them.

“You didn’t eat a bite of your dinner.”

“I’m too excited to eat. I need to figure out what I’m wearing to the negotiations. They’ll be here in three days! I can tell everyone I’m invited but just not about being a possible bride, right?” Sealing her lips immediately, she saw her father’s expression turn suspicious.

“How did you know when they were arriving? Have you been hacking into my e-mail again?”

Treading carefully, she pulled her arms behind her, trying her best took innocent. “Umm, you laid your tablet down the other day to get a refill on your hydro-caf. I might have noticed some information when I squinted my eyes.”

“When you squinted your eyes?” The older man shook his head. “Go on, hang out with your friends while you still can. Not a word about volunteering to be a bride.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

Rose ran down to her spacious private room, texted her friend, and fell back onto her bed. Hardly noticing the stark rock walls of her mechanically carved underground cave, she closed her eyes. Images floated to the surface of herself laying on a beautiful beach with a handsome new humanoid husband.

She could see it all in her mind’s eye. It would be just like in all the old vids. He’d rub sunscreen on her back as they got to know each other. While swimming in the warm ocean, they’d playfully splash water on each other. Maybe they would even steal a self-conscious kiss or two. Frowning, she interrupted her own fantasy to wonder about the Krylon. Maybe they didn’t kiss. Flipping over onto her stomach, she activated the data stream.

“Computer. Access information on Krylon culture.”

A smooth feminine voice responded. “Pulling information from public database. Processing. Processing. Information retrieved. Choose mode of information interface. Written information displayed visually. Information dump by neural interface. Information…”

“Stop. I don’t want all that crap dumped directly into my brain. Scan information for kissing. Answer query verbally: Do Krylonians kiss?”

“Cross match Krylon and kiss. No data available. Next query.”

“Crap, they might just have another name for kissing.”

“Cross match crap and kissing…”

“Stop. That was just me talking. End query.”

“Query ended. Next request.” The computerized voice was female and easy on the ears.

Sighing, Rose stated, “Contact first twelve names on friend’s list and issue the following text. Come to Rose’s house immediately. Top-secret information on alien hunks and cocktails.”

“Messages sent. Next request.”

“Order alcohol and cocktail mixers from preapproved list. Schedule delivery immediately.”

“Done. Next request.”

“None. End program.”

Feeling slightly guilty for her extravagant purchase, Rose set about reordering her room for company.