Krystal Le Beau

by V. A. Dold

  “Once we are invited to Earth, do we go there in ships?”

  “That’s a great question. No, you will use a portal I’ve created that will take you directly to Krystal’s ranch. I will place your portal in the city center of your planetary capital. For now, you will open the website with a password.” A slip of paper with the password on it floated in the air before each man with a computer. “The password is only temporary and will not be necessary once the final website is made available to the Earthlings. Look over the program and enter your application if you choose to participate. If you have questions, ask them now while I’m here to help you or save them for Doug and Krystal.”

  As the men worked on their applications, she continued to speak. “As you know, Earth has been an ongoing genesis project. Last I heard, twenty-three genetic programs were running to enhance the humanoid population and advance their evolution. This blending of races within the human genetics made the planet the perfect place for your enemy to hide your companions. It is almost impossible for you to scan the planet and find the D.N.A. blueprint of your women.”

  Understandably, sounds of anger and frustration rippled through the room.

  “And that’s why I’m here to help you. When you finish with the website, there is what humans call a file on the screen. If you click this button on your screen,” A picture of one of the laptop screens appeared on the wall, and she pointed to the row of tiny buttons on the upper left corner. “Click the yellow button in the middle. That will shrink the website down to the bottom of your screen so you can see the file.”

  She waited for the men to follow her instructions. “Click on the file to open it. Inside, you will find lessons to teach you about Earth. The more you know about the planet and humans, the more successful you will be when you meet your match.”

  Twenty-Three

  After seeing Krystal and Doug off, the Le Beau family split into three groups. Lucas took his ranch hands to begin staking out the cabin footprints and to purchase lumber and other supplies for the build. Emma and Rylon walked the area of the ranch Lucas had suggested for the portal and garden. They wanted to choose the perfect spot for this momentous construction. Not only did the placement need to be considered but also the energies. Emma needed to see and feel the area before beginning her design.

  Meanwhile, Isaac made phone calls. Creating a matchmaking effort that was bound to cause contention and minimizing that issue was complicated. He had to touch base with Cade and Anna, all of the national pack leaders, and the government.

  Having identified the perfect placement for the portal, Rylon began staking out the footprint so he could identify footer locations for the arch he would build. As he did that, Emma marked off the perimeter for the eight-foot-tall stone walls. She wanted the garden to be impressive but not outrageously so. Tapping her chin, she slowly turned in a circle, visualizing the space. From what she pictured in her mind, she concluded that it should be one hundred feet by one hundred feet with the portal at one end and the entrance gate at the other, with a three-tiered fountain in the center. In her mind’s eye, she saw a design that blended New Orleans courtyards and formal English gardens with Japanese Zen gardens. For a moment, she considered a koi pond but quickly discarded that idea.

  Grinning, she pulled her phone from her pocket and placed a call.

  “Hello?”

  “Rose! How are you and my favorite grandson, Malcolm?”

  “We’re great. How are things at the ranch? Is Krystal okay?”

  “Everything is great. Krystal is more than fine, and she’s officially mated to Doug. Speaking of the ranch, I have a very important project and would like your help.”

  “Okay. Did you need me to plan an event?”

  “No, a garden. I’ve watched you transform your home and yard into a thing of beauty. I would like your help doing the same here. Luperca and Krystal need our help, and the first person I thought of for this project was you. Of course, Simon and Malcolm should come with you. Simon can help Lucas build cabins, and Malcolm can love on his grandma.”

  Rose laughed. “It sounds like there’s more to the story, but you can tell us all about it when we get there. Give me a day or two to organize things around here and get packed. Is there anything you want us to bring for this garden?”

  “All I need is you and the family. I’ll begin ordering things that I know I want in the design, and we can finalize the plan when you get here.”

  “Perfect. We will see you in a couple of days. Take care.”

  “You too, and kiss Malcolm for me.”

  “Will do, bye.”

  Krystal stood before a room filled with stunningly handsome men. Leaning in close to Doug, she whispered, “Are all Mer Ahn Tians this handsome? I mean, I thought shifters were striking, but these guys make my brothers look average.”

  Suddenly the room fell silent, and all eyes were on her.

  Chuckling, he whispered back, “Ta ajéí, you’re on a fifth density world, and everyone can hear you.”

  Crap. “You could have warned me,” she hissed back.

  “Where’s the fun in that?” Chuckling, he glanced around the group of men. “Thank you for coming to speak with us today. I would like to introduce my mahri, Krystal. She has special gifts that she would like to use to help you find your missing females. We know that your women were spread across several planets, which means we won’t be able to help everyone, but we want to help those we can.”

  Heads nodded in agreement, and murmurs rumbled around the room.

  Krystal stepped forward and picked up where Doug left off. “I’m pleased to meet all of you. I was born with the ability to see auras and speak to spirit guides. I’m aware of Luperca’s visit, and that information I’m giving you may be a repeat of what she said. While Luperca is creating the computer link between your planet and Earth, I’m creating the website for both you and the women of Earth to apply for a match. What I’m asking you to do is take a look at the website and the questionnaire. If there is information that is important to you that I haven’t included, please let me know, and I’ll add that.”

  While the men looked over the website for a second time, she continued to explain the program. When she finished, she glanced around the room. “Does anyone have questions or suggestions?”

  When no one spoke up, she stepped back, and Doug took over again. “If you are lucky enough to find your match and she accepts you, you will need to decide where you will live. Not every Earth woman will choose to leave her planet, and you must be prepared for that. Krystal’s uncle Isaac, the king of the wolf shifters, is making arrangements for a secure village with housing and such available.”

  The men glanced at each other, shock on their faces. It was apparent they had expected the women to just go home with them.

  “Also, Krystal has insisted on a one-foot rule, there will be absolutely no touching of the Earth women until they agree to accept you. I made that mistake, and she was very angry to find my mark on her. This is an absolute rule, if anyone breaks it, the entire operation will end. An angry human woman could tell the world that she was taken against her will, and that would bring hordes of humans down on our heads. Public relations with humans will be tense as it is. We cannot tolerate any behavior that creates a negative image.

  “Once you meet your match, you can talk with her, share meals, spend time getting to know each other, and when she agrees to make it permanent, you may touch her,” Doug assured the male.

  “What if she never agrees to be bonded?” a voice called out from the back of the room.

  “Then you accept her decision and go home,” Krystal answered in a tone that brooked no argument.

  “On Earth, there is a saying, absence makes the heart grow fonder. You may find that once you leave, the human will change her mind.”

  A grumble of dissatisfaction filled the room, but no one argued Doug’s wisdom.

  Krystal placed her hand on his arm.
“Now might be a good time to give them hope.”

  “We may be in the startup phase of this adventure, but I can show you a few pictures of Earth women to give you an idea of what the planet has to offer. Of course, these are generic pictures and not actual applicants. The website isn’t active yet, so we don’t have interested females at this time.”

  Doug opened a file on his laptop and projected it on the wall. One by one, he clicked through twenty pictures of women of all ages and nationalities. Each image seemed to raise the positive emotions in the room just a little higher. When he finished, he turned to the room. “As you can see, Earth women vary in their appearance. All are different, yet all are beautiful.”

  “Now, let’s look at Earth itself.” Doug showed another set of pictures of the variations of the United States, from coast to coast. “On Earth, the planet is made up of many countries. Each has its own government and laws. Because of that, we are limited to the United States. It will be difficult enough to get permission to take their women and live among them in that one country where we live. Trying to involve other countries is beyond our reach. That being said, if a woman wants to be a part of the program, she can become a citizen of the United States and become eligible for a match.”

  That information started the grumbling again. “Look, we’re trying to help you and doing the best we can.”

  A man who emanated power and leadership got to his feet, and the room fell silent. “We are very grateful for everything you are doing and appreciate the limitations.” He laid his open palm over his heart and bowed to Krystal. “Thank you.”

  Immediately, every man stood and did the same.

  With a rosy blush on her cheeks, she stepped forward again. “You’re welcome. I have every faith in this program and fully expect the applications to pour in once the website goes live. If there are no suggestions for changes or additions, I would like to ask for information from you as well as volunteers for photos on the website. The women will be more inclined to apply if they can see what Mer Ahn Tians look like.”

  Several men volunteered for photos and moved with Doug to a quiet part of the room.

  “So, is there someone who can communicate with me through the computer? I would like to add information about your culture and planet to the website.”

  The leader spoke up again. “Yes, there is a historian who can provide everything you need.”

  “Thank you, as soon as I have everything, I will launch the program.”

  “Your website is well thought out, and we look forward to proceeding with your efforts,” the respected elder responded.

  “In that case, we thank you for your time and will depart. We have a long journey home,” Doug added as he collected his laptop.

  Walking back to the ship, Krystal suddenly stopped to look up at the entwined branches overhead. That brought Doug to a halt as well. They had been in such a rush to get to the meeting with the elders, she hadn’t been able to appreciate the planet. The trees on Mer Ahn Tah were like nothing she’d ever seen.

  She studied the limbs and multi-colored foliage. The blues, greens, reds, oranges... She could go on and on trying to describe in words what she was seeing, and humans would never fully appreciate it. Mer Ahn Tah was a higher density than Earth, and that meant that there was so much more to see, hear, and smell than was available in a third density environment.

  As she drank in the beauty of nature around her, she was vaguely aware of Doug stepping away to lean against a tree. Mixed with the trees’ riot of color was an assortment of flora, fauna, and fungi. Pulling the fragrance of the flowers deep into her lungs, she smiled. The most expensive perfumes on Earth couldn’t compete with the natural flowers of this planet.

  Looking closer, she saw evidence of little creatures living in the area. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a tiny shadow skitter up the trunk of a tree and disappear among the foliage.

  Suddenly, the flutter of wings drew her attention to another tree. The calling of what she figured must be some kind of bird set off a clamoring of multiple birds calling loudly back and forth. Krystal clapped her hands over her ears and searched for the noisy creatures.

  It took a minute to locate one of the... birds. She used the word loosely, as the feathered being was long of body and walked on four legs with impressive claws for its size. She stared at the unusual sight as it stared back.

  Then, much to her shock, the beast leapt from the tree onto her shoulder. Before she could react, it wrapped itself around her neck as if it wanted to cuddle. Unsure what to do, she held very still. After a moment, a feathered head brushed her cheek like a cat brushing up against your leg.

  Chuckling, Doug called out, “Stroke her, she wants you to pet her. But be sure to go with the feathers. They get a bit testy if you go against the grain, so to say.”

  “You could have warned me about flying, feathered squirrels of unusual size. When it jumped at me, I thought it was attacking.” There was a distinct bite of annoyance in her tone, which only made him laugh harder. “Laugh it up, Sheriff, paybacks a bitch, and I’m patient. You’ll never know when or where I’ll strike.”

  “I’m shaking in my boots.” He reached out a hand and stroked the magnificently colored bird. “This beautiful lady is often domesticated as a beloved pet. They adore fruit of any kind, so if you have one in your home, you must keep all the fruit under lock and key. Other than that irritating habit, they are quite clean and make a wonderful pet.”

  “Don’t they scratch up the furniture with their claws?”

  “Not at all. They learn very quickly to retract their claws when indoors. Believe it or not, they are extremely smart and could put any dog on Earth to shame.”

  “Really? I’d love to take one home with me, but I’m sure that would end badly.”

  “Earth’s gravity is too heavy for them, and the oxygen levels are too low. One of these creatures would suffer terribly and die rather quickly.” He lifted the bird creature from her shoulders and placed it on a tree branch.

  Krystal tipped her head in consideration. “Is the higher oxygen content of this planet why I feel wide awake and energized? I can’t remember the last time I felt this great.”

  “Yes, the richer oxygen would have that effect on you. Come on, Djairi. If we don’t get going, the elders will insist on our spending the night.”

  After one last glance at the bird, she took his hand. The ship was in a small clearing on the other side of the forest, and the moment they moved deeper into trees, darkness closed in. Thank God for shifter senses and night vision. Even in low light, she could see perfectly, and her sensitive nose alerted her the instant others were near. Really near, she could hear them breathing.

  Then a male voice asked, “What did you think of the Earthling?”

  A second male responded, “I liked her, but are all Earthlings that attractive and open-minded? My concern is, the Earthlings will panic when they learn about us.”

  Hold on, Doug, Krystal said telepathically. I want to hear what they are saying.

  Eavesdropping isn’t polite, he chided.

  And normally, I wouldn’t do it, but I need to know if I missed the mark with the matching program. If they want something different, I need to make those changes now, not a year down the road.

  An answering smile hovered on his lips. I hadn’t thought of that. Folding his arms, he leaned against a tree. I’ll be right here when you’re done.

  Krystal leaned in and kissed his cheek. Thanks, Doug, I know you wanted to hurry home.

  She didn’t know where the men were headed, but thankfully, they hadn’t gone far. Hiding within the heavy foliage, she listened.

  “Do you think this crazy idea will work?” one asked.

  “It worked out for Doug. He has a fantastic djairi. I don’t know about you, but I’m going to sign up.”

  “True. Doug was successful. I think you’re right. I might as well try.”

  After a s
hort pause, the first man said, “I read through the entire website and the questionnaire. I feel it was well thought out and will provide all the information I would want.”

  “Yes, I did as well. Although, I was surprised by the question about existing young. I must admit that I’m disappointed to know that my destined djairi may have had children with an Earthling.”

  “Are you telling me you would reject your companion if she had young?” the first man’s tone was a bit cutting.

  “Of course not. I was simply voicing my surprise. I’ve never heard of young outside of a bonded couple,” The second man said in his defense.

  “That’s true. I’m sure Earth’s customs will be as strange to us as our customs will be to them.”

  “You’re right, I hadn’t thought of that. This will be more interesting than I first thought.”

  With that last statement, the men moved out of earshot. That was fine. Having learned what she needed, she didn’t follow after them. Doug wanted to get going, and she didn’t want to get lost in the forest.

  Krystal backtracked to where she’d left Doug. “All done,” she said with a big grin on her face.

  “I take it you received a favorable review?”

  “Sure did. Once Quin and I put the final polish on the website, we can launch it.”

  “That’s great!” He pulled her close and brushed her hair from her face. “I’m so proud of you. I know the matchmaking program is a monstrous load of work, but it’s so valuable for these planets. Living without your djairi is a lonely existence.”

  “I’m excited to help. I’ve spent a lot of years searching for my purpose. Honestly, I believe this moment is what I’ve been looking for. This is my calling.”

  He caught her hand, feathering his thumb over her knuckles, and got them on their way to the ship. “I know you’re tired after our long day. I’ll get the ship underway, and we can take a nap.”