by Rena Marks
“Our tribe is primarily female. While our males once took care of us, it has evolved to extremes now. Because they are few and far between, they are slaves to females. It is a tradition I hope to break as soon as I return. We do not have family units as the people here do. Instead, it is a male’s duty to impregnate a female, and she raises the child as her own. The male rarely acknowledges which children are his. Our diet consists of creatures from the waters. A few days a week, our males head to the surface to hunt for other animals and dig for roots or edible leaves and berries. I usually try to head out once a week with them and forage for medicinal herbs.”
“I wonder if, when the tribes broke apart, it was perhaps a dangerous swim back then?” Nikki asks. “Maybe several perished, with most of the males making the first trip. The others left behind decided not to make another trip and risk the people they had. Over the years, they forgot about each other.”
“Especially since the surface dwellers forgot about glow rocks,” Tessa says. “They recently discovered them while the water people are known as the guardians of them.”
“It all worked out,” Persephone says. “If Drakar had been carrying any at the time he was abducted, none of you would be here right now.”
“You know no matter what, we will be by your side,” Diont whispers. “If you decide to stay with your tribe, I don’t care what it takes. I won’t leave you alone.”
I smile at my mates. “I don’t intend to stay. I just intend to prepare my people for a change of tradition. If they wish to cling to old beliefs, they are welcome to. But before they make that decision, the others must come here and see how life could be.”
Diont pulls me onto his lap, and Atan drapes my legs across his as he reaches for my hand. He brings the palm up to his lips and presses a kiss there.
Between my mates, I feel safe and protected.
Niki’s baby wriggles, kicking his blanket away. Drakar holds out his hands for his squirming son, and the baby laughs as he stretches out his arms and legs.
“Now we know what a human and surface-people baby looks like,” I murmur. “I wonder what ours will look like?”
Everyone stops talking.
“It will be striped,” Niki says. “But they may fade away as he gets older.”
“Definitely a tail,” another says.
“Another drummer for the family!” Atan’s father calls out. Next to him, Carmelac laughs.
“He shall have Atan’s soulful gaze and the tiny indentation in your chin,” I declare to Diont.
“She shall be perfectly formed, with pointed ears and blue hair. A tiny, dainty doll who is unafraid to take anything on. One who swims, and hunts, and fights for peace,” Atan says. “We’ll leave Diont’s chin indentation for our male offspring.”
I sigh. “I wish such a beauty were here.”
Persephone’s voice is soft. “I can give you something,” she says. “It will encourage fertilization.”
I sit up quickly. I cannot believe my good luck. “You can? You will?”
“If we keep it between us,” she says with a smile. “We are not supposed to favor this planet, you know.”
The human females grin because they have many odd objects in the caves that come from their land that they received from these alien guardians. Flat, smooth, magical objects that shine with an individual’s appearance. Smooth, sharp metal that is honed and shaped into weapons. Skizzors with which to cut their hair, and axes with which to cut their wood.
“We’ll never tell,” Lucie says.
Jack has disappeared, but he approaches and sits near Persephone—a bit closer than he should. But I understand this talk of babies makes everyone gooey inside. He has retrieved a small device from inside the ship.
“Anyone who wishes to get pregnant, stand on Eretar’s side. Everyone who wishes to hold off on having babies for three years, stand on Niki’s side.”
Lines form, but then Jack laughs. “It’s for the females,” he says, handing Perseophone the device.
Grumbling, several of the males leave the lines.
She pushes buttons on the device and presses it to my arm where it bleeps. “There you go, sweetie. Pregnancy inevitable.”
“That’s it?” I find it hard to believe that such a small thing can control something as enormous as life.
“That’s all there is to it. And your sisters on Niki’s side are going to be just as grateful.”
From that line, Jezebel whoops. “I’m loving this. Unprotected sex.” She waggles her eyebrows at her mate, who leers right back.
“We already have unprotected sex,” Niki says.
“Yeah, well, now there are no worries after some all night lovin’. No hopping backward after while saying the ABC’s…”
There’s a look of horror on Niki’s face. “You do that?”
“Well, yeah. I don’t want to tempt fate. I figure every little thing helps, you know?”
The visual is a bit too much for me, and I end up giggling. But Jezebel is good natured and doesn’t take offense.
And then my mates and I begin whispering about the rearing of our child.
“She shall take Cammie’s classes,” Atan announces loudly then whispers among the three of us. “I must keep my brother’s mate happy.”
We nod knowingly. It does not matter if our offspring can tell “time” or not. But we will pretend this is important.
“It’s okay,” Diont says. “When the little one is in class, we’ll have more time to be with each other without interruptions.”
“Ooh, I like that idea,” I say. “And ballet. She shall have to take Tessa’s class. Because they are another family like us, with two fathers and a mother.”
“Agreed,” Atan says, and Diont nods.
I snuggle happily into Diont’s chest, the soothing sounds of the drumming catching up to me. “I can’t wait to meet you, little one,” I whisper.
Before I fall asleep, I hear Persephone gasp. “Jack! You set it for twins!”
Twins? I am not sure what that means, I think as I fall asleep, safely snug, warm and happy beyond belief.
* * * * *
The Stargazers end up bringing a large party back to the location of my tribe. It seems many of the surface people wish to see our way of life, as fascinated by us as we are by them. As much as the human females wanted to come, some are pregnant, some are nursing, and some of their mates simply growl protectively, reminding them of the dangers within our still unsettled tribe. Rayhaan’s mate decided to stay back without her mate once she saw my burns. He seemed relieved. I assure Lucie that things will be fine upon my return, and we can start traveling back and forth as much as we want then.
The large mountain where I was abducted is a perfect spot for a vessel to touch ground. They let us exit the ship.
“You’re sure you’ll be all right?” Jack asks.
We wave the Stargazers away, letting them keep the glow rock from Shen’robi as payment though they laugh and tell us no payment is necessary. But I am pleased that they accept my gift. I am grateful for all they have done. Especially the idea of my tiny little offspring whose life should be beginning soon.
One by one, we squeeze into the hollowed out tree that masks the entry to the caverns. We crawl through the distended root base and drop into the caves below.
I watch both sides intently. My people stare in bemused shock that I am alive and have brought a large rescue party.
And the surface people are in the same state for different reasons. Many of the surface people are amazed at our way of life. They stare at the walls of massive glow rocks that light up our caverns as though it is the outside. Only the extended sleeping caverns are without glow rocks, which we have dug out over the years.
My people stare at us—and I may be biased, but I think Shen’robi’s group looks a little more surprised. My brother pulls me forward, ignoring the way my hands are clasped into my mates. He cups my face with his hands and rubs his nose to mine before laying his fo
rehead against mine. He holds it a few seconds before pulling away.
“Eretar! I prayed the Goddess would keep you safe through the night. I was so worried sick when you didn’t return yesterday. I swear if Shen’robi had returned without you, I’d have skinned her alive, supporters or not.” He glares at her side of the people and then seems to realize she’s not with us. “Uh, where is she?”
“She is dead,” I admit, and I hear someone gasp.
“Is this a joke? How dare you? Who do you think you are?”
“Eretar Manstriaan, Eighth Born Ruler of the Finniappe Line. So don’t forget it,” I snap, stepping forward. “I am the rightful ruler of these caverns. I chose to bequeath my throne to the next in the royal line so that I may serve my people with my knowledge of herbs and medicine. But I am still of royal blood and that is a lesson that many of you forget. Even if Shen’robi had not died a horrible and painful death—which she brought onto herself—it would be within my right to sentence her today. And I would choose death for her betrayal. Now, is there anyone here who still stands with her?”
Her people are understandably quiet.
“What is it that she has done?” My brother growls. “Are you telling me the two of you did not get lost accidentally? That she was at the bottom of it?”
“Treason. She contacted the aliens of the vessel that kidnapped the surface people and brought the aliens to us.”
Several people gasp—those of her group who had the tour to the old Drurian ship during their visit with the surface people. The ship I will never visit because it has been destroyed by now. Not that I wish to visit it. I had enough time on alien vessels to last me forever and a day.
I pull open my vest, showing the ugly scars on my chest. “She thought to get me abducted. She got herself abducted also.” Their eyes are still on my scars when I slowly lace my vest closed again.
I explain in further detail for my people who have not yet visited with the surface dwellers. “When the last group was taken to visit their village, they taught them of their ways. They showed them how to survive on the surface if caught outside by the time night fell. They gave them their language. And finally, they took them to view the vessel that came to steal our people and warned them that those same abductors would want our glow rocks. Glow rocks are coveted by other aliens to fuel their space vessels and are to be kept secret. Interestingly enough, our own scrolls call us the Keepers of the Glow. We have always subconsciously known of our responsibilities. Yet Shen’robi broke from the group and used the ship to contact those abductors. She made a deal with them that she would give them glow rocks in exchange for their abduction of me, certain she would rule once I was gone. They had her wear a tracking device on her, and they would track her in three sun-cycles’ time. She told them I should be with her and they could take me. But she didn’t count on the value of our glow rocks and the greed or viciousness of the alien creatures. They broke their promise and took us both. They tortured her to find out where the supply of glow rocks was located on our planet. She died at their hands. I’m sure she gave them the information, even knowing they had the manpower to destroy any of us who protested the robbery of our rocks.”
Her group is strangely silent. Now I’m well aware that they knew she had a plan of my abduction. I’m not sure if each member knew how deep it was—that she actually contacted alien beings.
“Many thought it odd that she suddenly wanted to renew our friendship in order to take me away. Her own supporters encouraged it. I wonder why?”
No one answers me.
“You all resented me for having the audacity to reserve two males for myself as if males have no rights in our community. I am ashamed for these surface dwellers to see how our people have evolved. That males are treated as objects to be used for our pleasure. That they have no rights to the offspring they create. That they have no choice in procreation. It is appalling that we have evolved to think this is normal.” I turn toward her group, which is distinctly separate from my own followers, and I don’t care that my tone and actions are accusing. The time for acting as royalty is over. “Here is my offer to you. I disband our tribe. Those of you who wish to stay in the underground caverns may pledge their loyalty to Hekran. The rest are free to go. I will come and go as I please, but I will always be in the company of my mates, no matter whether I am here or there.” I reach for Atan and Diont again, clasping their strong hands in mine. “You may all do as you please. If you are male, I wouldn’t be surprised if you left our tribe altogether and choose to return with the surface dwellers.”
Cobran steps forward. “I choose to leave.”
Nirelle, one of the elders, gasps. “Our males cannot leave! How will we continue our line without procreation? Who will lead the hunting party?”
“You’ll get off your ass and do it yourself. My mates taught me to hunt and to fish and to survive on the surface. No one should be our slaves, forced to fuck us and feed us and provide for us.”
I have finally gotten a chance to use the word. I am quite proud of myself.
“You are really choosing to free us?” Nilo asks, bewilderment coloring his tone.
“Yes. Come or go as you wish.”
Hekran speaks up. “Those of us who have not been with the village people, I think we should go. I think we should beg them to teach us about new survival techniques. Of a new language to speak. But we should express our gratitude instead of showing them that we are of the mindset that it is owed to us. Whether or not we choose to return is up to each individual.”
Everyone but Shen’robi’s group cheers. Her group is stunned into shocked silence. And then my supporters disband, heading into their caves for more discussion.
One of Shen’robi’s group steps forward to translate for Hekran as he speaks with the surface people, telling them which rooms they can use to rest in and asking them to enjoy in our feast.
My attention wanders to all the conversations around the room.
“Lizzia,” Cobran says. “Would you like to come with me to learn of new ways? You are my offspring and you should have a choice to see how other families function.”
Lizzia shyly nods her head. “Yes…father. I would like that.”
Cobran’s eyes look shiny. I know I have made the right decision.
“Where is everyone going?” Rayhaan asks, puzzled.
My smile is bright. “To pack. It is early still. We will have a midday feast, and then we can head out.”
From the corner of my eye, I notice Misha slips away from the crowd, heading toward the swimming caves. I sigh, and the sound makes Atan and Diont surround me protectively.
“Where is she going?” Atan growls.
“No matter what, Shen’robi was her best friend. She has to get used to life without her now when the two of them previously did everything together.” It usually included sharing the same male, and enjoying their ability to force him to serve them both. “In fact, it is rumored that the same man sired both of them. But we do not know if it is rumor or fact. I should go and see if she is all right.”
“No.”
Both males speak simultaneously, and Atan grins at Diont before he speaks. “We have barely recovered from the last time you took responsibility for someone in your tribe. We will go see her and you stay here within the safety of your side and our people.”
“We can make sure she doesn’t drown herself,” Atan says plainly.
Diont grunts.
“Be careful,” I warn.
Diont leans down to kiss me. “There are two of us and one of her. The odds are in our favor, mate.”
I soften at his words. “I love you.”
“I love you as well.”
“Quit hogging her.” Atan is good-natured as he elbows Diont, who pretends to fall back with a wince.
“That was the arm I strangled an alien with,” Diont mutters, flexing it to show me his bicep.
Atan rolls his eyes at his antics. He leans into my mouth. “I love you, Ereta
r.”
“I love you, Atan,” I whisper before his lips touch. Then he turns, and they leave.
I turn to Rayhaan and Drakar to translate, telling them that Atan and Diont will go check on Misha. “It will be nice when everyone speaks the same language.”
“It does allow a certain freedom,” Drakar agrees. “We don’t request it, but most of our people are aware to let others know when they are to leave the village for an extended amount of time. We’ve been caught out in the wild a few too many times.”
“That is a good idea.”
“Will you remain here to live?”
“I think my time will be spent between the two tribes. But it will depend on my brother and the other half of the tribe. Once they see the way of life on your end…”
Rayhaan smiles. “We may go back and forth quite frequently. This will seem a vacation spot for our males. Especially because the humans have taught us to swim, but this is a perfect spot to hone those skills.”
Something strikes a nerve. “You all know how to swim?”
“Yes, it was one of the first things our human females taught us when we brought them from the ship.”
I relax somewhat. “But Atan and Diont weren’t on that first excursion.”
“No,” Rayhaan acknowledges. “But they were taught later. They didn’t have as much practice so they weren’t as comfortable as my shift.”
“I always meant to teach them a few things, but well…” I blush when I remember exactly why we were always interrupted.
Rayhaan barks with laughter. “I see what is happening here. It seems as though those two were pulling your leg.”
“Pulling my…”
“It is a human expression. It means joking with you. They are able to hold their own in the water. They were pretending to be less accomplished so you would remove your clothing and get into the water with them.”
I suck in a breath. “They…planned to seduce me?”
Rayhaan nods, and his grin is nearly splitting his face.
