Kallon grinned and jumped up from the bench. No shit. Thanks, amici. Call me when you’re ready to head out with your beauty.
Cato grunted when he felt an elbow land against his ribs. Cassie’s hushed words were urgent.
“Hey. Are you crazy? The emperor’s calling for you.”
Shit! He jumped to his feet and called out, “Yes. Right here. My apologies.” He was instantly relieved to see the look of amusement on the emperor’s face. Stepping up to the public podium, he refused to look at Drusus or Severus and completely blocked them from getting into his thoughts even though they were pounding on his skull like a pickax. One quick glance and sure enough, they were grinning like idiots and daring him to drop his barriers. “I’m ready, Emperor Lucien.”
Lucien smiled and held up the report Cato recognized as the one he prepared for Drusus. “Severus already presented this, so there is no need to rehash the figures and projections. We understand we are failing in achieving the percent of saturation we had hoped to reach in five years’ time. It was a lofty goal and not uncommon to fall short with so many variables under consideration. What I had hoped to learn from you today, is the reality of the situation. Numbers can belie the true effort or difficulty encountered. You are there every day, Cato. You’ve duplicated your position across the United States and have done a commendable job in a short amount of time. How can we assist you? What do you need and we’ll make it so.”
Relief suffused his body at the words. No wonder this emperor was so well received. He was sharp and dove straight to the heart of matters. No accusations, no innuendos, and no blame. How the hell had Ulixes dealt with the cracked nut that was Basilius without walking away deranged himself? Ulixes had to be hiding a total badass beneath that calm veneer.
Cato opened his mouth to respond then fell silent when a lone senator stood from the sea of white robes. Cato recognized him as the most senior of the representatives. He was stooped with age and sported patches of white, wispy hair trying valiantly to stay attached to his balding head. Cato took two steps down from the podium in deference to the Senator. Emperor Lucien recognized his hesitation and turned to look where his gaze had fallen.
“Senator Ovidius. You have something to share?”
Despite his age, the Insedi’s voice was surprisingly strong and decisive. He spoke in the native language, which Cato was sure irritated Cassie and the Filia.
“Yes. I speak for all the senators present today. We would like to express our gratitude to your son, this young Insedi, and all the others that ventured forth to Earth in order to regenerate our species. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. We are starting to gain new young ones and have proven that mating with Earth females will be prolific, eventually.”
Cato didn’t miss the emphasis placed on his last word. Where was he going with this? He glanced to Drusus and caught the knowing glance between father and son. Well, this should be interesting. Looking back to the senator, he watched as the others encouraged him to continue.
“We would like to propose an alternative that should increase the chance for mate selection tenfold. Females should be collected and brought back to Insedivertus.” He held his hand aloft. “Before you cry out that doing so would bring unwarranted attention to our civilization from those that are not compatible, we have a solution to that possibility.”
The emperor stood and faced the collection of senators. “By all means, tell us how you would accomplish such a daunting task.” Their leader was smart. Outright rejection of their proposal would stink of dictatorship. Let them hang themselves with their own illogical methods and consensus to discard the idea would be easier to achieve.
The senator made a slight bow and smiled. “Of course. The group already present on Earth would refocus their efforts to identifying all females of child bearing age and not currently with stable mates. At first opportunity, they would move them into stasis and bring them here. In an orderly and monitored fashion, each unmated male would test for compatibility. The incompatible would be returned to Earth and removed from stasis, never the wiser to their adventure. The compatible would remain. We would remove them from stasis in a controlled environment and educate them on the Insedivertus race. Once they are acclimated, the male would pursue the remaining steps of the mating cycle. It is our goal, to retain as many mated couples on Insedi ground in order to keep our planet healthy and stable. Eventually, we will no longer have need to travel to Earth.”
Cato was speechless. He could only stare at the smug senators inwardly congratulating themselves on a well-played hand. When had they lost their humanity? Their suggestion was no more than politely worded kidnapping. He felt immediate relief that the exchange had occurred in their language. Cassie and Lina would’ve needed restraints to keep them from the Senate. The emperor saved him from doing it for them.
Lucien calmly walked down from the raised dais and strode to the middle of the room. He clasped his hands behind his back and tilted his head down as if in silent contemplation. After a few moments of quiet expectation from the peanut gallery, the emperor raised his eyes to the elders.
“Distinguished Senate. It appears that you have given this alternative great thought. I can also understand your need to see fast results for a situation that appears dire in its entirety. We all fear the annihilation of our species. However, our research shows that it will not happen within the next one hundred years. Yes, we all were moving quickly to reestablish control during the horror of our loss and in doing so, set unrealistic goals. We have proven that rushing in without preparation results in minimal success.” Lucien returned to the dais and turned back to the Senate.
“We have five years of effort to analyze. Obviously something has worked, yet not in a manner fast enough for us to feel comfortable. Let us hear from Cato and see if he can shed light on possible improvements.” He started to sit, but was stopped by another voice rising above the others.
“Our plan is sound, my emperor. You would have us wait for another five years, and then another? Should we bide our time for a hundred years more and hope it eventually comes to pass? Our citizens grow weary of being alone. We must act now.”
Lucien shook his head. “No, Senator Verus. I do not foresee us lingering in denial of the urgency. However, it behooves us to seek more humane ways of addressing our needs.”
Senator Verus’s brows grew together and he appeared affronted. “Humane? Our method is completely harmless. The females will not be injured. For those that are compatible and remain, they will be treated with the utmost respect. They will come to love this world as we do. How can you say this?”
Shaking his head, Lucien gestured to the public spectators. “Can you actually look upon our people and say that should another planet need males to propagate their species, it would be considered acceptable to steal them away in the night and conduct experiments on them? Even ones as simple as a light touch across their wrist? With impunity, would you allow the other species to keep our males should they find them worthy? Where is your empathy, Senator Verus? Your plan reeks of Machiavellianism.” When the senator opened his mouth to retort, the emperor held his hand up. His voice rang deep and definitive.
“No. You have said your peace and offered no other solution. I agreed that you had given this tactic great thought, yet I never once stated that it was thorough. You are all very aware that I am open to new ideas and thoughts. Never stop bringing them to me. However, I had hoped when you heard the incredulous words leave your own mouth, you would see the obvious traps you have set for yourself. Though you would ensure an astounding amount of Occasio surge within an extraordinarily rapid timeline, you have missed the point entirely. We are searching for life mates, not robotic birthing machines. It is not a simple matter of us making a selection. We are also chosen. What female in her right mind could look upon the male with trust? How would any mating cycle ever come to completion? What of their families or their lives we will pluck them from? Do you not think this would bring unwar
ranted attention from Earth? You delude yourselves if you think otherwise.” The emperor slashed the air with his hand and gazed slowly across the mass of wide-eyed senators as his voice rumbled in discontent.
“It was Niccolò Machiavelli himself that warned—and I quote from his work, The Prince—‘It ought to be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.’ His social manipulation doctrine is what you propose and it flies in the face of what our culture holds in high regard—our morality. Even he knew the dangers inherent with a drastic shift in social comportment. We will not use deceit or congratulate ourselves on the craftiness of secreting away an unsuspecting female. We cannot—no, we will not manipulate another to our benefit while casting aside remorse and empathy as if the bothersome emotions were simply in our way.”
The emperor tempered his fierce scowl and took several deep breaths before motioning to Cato. “Now. Let us provide this young Insedi the opportunity to share his knowledge. Perhaps we all can learn something today.”
Cato stood motionless for several seconds. Outstanding. The emperor had pummeled the Senate with nothing more than eloquent words, yet it felt as if he’d struck them repeatedly about their heads with a sledgehammer. His words rung with such forethought and passion, some senators had actually moved away from Ovidius and Verus as if they carried a plague. Cato couldn’t help his next action. He brought his palms together and clapped soundly for his ruler. It needed to be recognized.
Within seconds, the citizens rose and joined him. Lucien didn’t preen under the adulation, nor did he cast his eyes down in false modesty. He simply sat upon the cold marble and gestured for Cato to ascend the public podium. Eventually, the room returned to order. Cato switched back to English in deference to the two females that would kick his ass if he continued in the native tongue.
“Thank you, my emperor. I do have a few suggestions. If anything needs to change, it’s our way of thinking. We are our own worst enemy.”
Chapter 16
The corners of the emperor’s mouth lifted slightly and his emerald eyes gleamed in mirth even though his words sounded solemn. “My thoughts exactly. Go on, son.”
“We’re going about this all wrong. Well, not everything. Just the first step. We receive groups of males that are ill prepared to handle Earth society. The only training they’ve received is of Earth culture, history, and formal English. It’s taking years to acclimate enough to blend in. Many opportunities are lost for an Insedi to get closer to a female. At first, they find it intriguing to spend time with a foreigner. They like the accent and the novelty. However, the newness wears away quickly when she has to pick the male up for dates or explain how to use the phone. The female is spending too much time innocently training our people. They don’t want a helpless male or one that can’t interact with their friends or family. It took me over two years to fully grasp the nuances of informal speak and that’s only because it’s my job to monitor for particular jargon. The others are too busy spending time trying to learn the basics of washing clothes, working antiquated computer equipment, cooking, driving, and using an ATM machine.” Cato gestured to the document the emperor held in his hand.
“The report reveals that every successful mating has occurred within the last two years. That’s three years lost by muddling through. I suggest we start intense training classes before the groups are sent to us. We have some of the best teachers available to us now.” He glanced back to Lina and Cassie and hoped he wasn’t about to stick his foot in his mouth. “What better resource than our mated females?” They both smiled and winked. He had no idea what he’d gotten them into, but they didn’t look pissed, so that was a start.
Cato turned back to the emperor and stopped talking. He wasn’t comfortable speaking in front of a large gathering and hoped he hadn’t lost them with his rambling. He felt immediate relief when a large smile crossed the emperor’s face.
“Very good, Cato. This is exactly what we needed to hear. Have you any other observations that need consideration?”
“Yes. Now that we’ve spread further across the U.S., we can start taking larger groups of Insedi. We need to begin investing in the construction business. The Trejani and I have spoken often of this need and we’re already working on a proposal for you to review. We’ve had difficulty housing those that come over. We’ll need apartment complexes, houses, and perhaps even temporary barracks until permanent abodes are available. We’ll need to be subtle about the use or the government will think we’re a cult or terrorists. Too many of a like kind gathered in one location garners their attention unless it’s masked as something innocent like martial arts training camps, fitness facilities, and such. This will also provide our males with jobs. Nothing turns away a woman faster than an unemployed man. I’ve read this in one of their women’s magazines.”
Cato was surprised at the soft laughter coming from the peanut gallery. He glanced over and saw warm smiles crossing some of the senator’s faces. Perhaps there was hope for them after all. The openness of the Senate didn’t go unnoticed by the emperor either.
“Excellent. Anything else?”
Cato glanced over to Drusus and raised his brow. He knew the Trejani had greater issues to address and thought this a good time to get himself out of the spotlight. At Drusus’s subtle nod, he glanced back to the emperor. “I’ll defer the larger issues to the prince. He’s been cataloguing other deficiencies and can explain better than me.” Cato moved back two steps and waited patiently to be dismissed.
Drusus stepped forward. “Thank you, Cato. Father. Our largest issue is the vortex site. We’re limited on the amount of bodies that can pass through without bringing undue attention from the locals. I’ve sent a proposal to your office for consideration of an underground tunnel to access both sites. We’re vulnerable in the open and this will allow us to come and go in an efficient manner. Our need has grown exponentially as was proven by the incident yesterday. It will also provide jobs for the males and mask the constant influx of new warriors.”
The emperor made a quick nod of approval, stood, and turned to the Senate.
“All of these ideas are worthy of further consideration. The proposal for the tunnel build will be made available to you immediately. Cato will provide a full report of his suggestions in”—the emperor turned and raised his brows—“a month?”
At Cato’s nod, he turned back to the Senate. “One month. I am sure that you will see the merit and agree to release funds for the venture.” His eyes locked on Ovidius and Verus. “I am tasking the both of you to oversee the fiscal needs of the projects. I trust that you will ensure expediency in all activities. We have no time to waste.” The men’s beaming smiles told it all.
Smart move, Cato thought. The senators acquired a royal nod of trust and could bask in the social brownie point. Their public ass chewing was a thing of the past. They would never bad mouth the new direction or slow it down for fear of losing their positions of grandeur. Win-win for everyone.
Cato was suddenly grateful he hadn’t been born with a blue dot on his neck. This political game was just too exhausting. He liked to play chess, but not twenty-four seven. Sometimes you just had to get up, walk away, and watch some mindless TV. Thank the gods for leaders such as Lucien where it came as easily as breathing.
Shuffling out of the Senate chambers along with the public spectators, Cato looked around for Cassie and Lina. He knew Drusus and Severus wouldn’t be far behind. He spotted the two females surrounded by admirers. Their Lemarok claiming would be huge news until another occurred. They were in for a long life of adulation. Working his way through the crowd, he was surprised by the light tap to his shoulder. Turning, he looked into a face he hadn’t seen for five years and had no desire to break that streak. “Leave me alone, Labrax.”
“So, it is Labrax now? Am I no longer your father?”
Turning awa
y, Cato attempted to push his way through the crowd but was thwarted by the strong grip to his bicep. Swiveling around, he yanked his arm away and pushed Labrax backward until they connected with a wall. He knew his words sounded evil and foreboding and he didn’t care. “Don’t touch me. You’re nothing to me. Just as she was nothing to you.” Mindful of where they were at, Cato took a quick step back and dropped his arms to his sides.
Labrax straightened and righted his tunic. Light gray eyes flipped up to his and held such grief it froze Cato to the spot. He couldn’t move away if he tried. Just as suddenly, Labrax lowered his lids and finished smoothing his shirt. He’d never seen such raw emotion reflected in those piercing eyes and it left him speechless. He’d always been grateful that he’d taken his eye color from his mother. He already carried the male’s face and hair and didn’t think he could stare every day in a mirror and see the same eyes looking back. It’d been his one consolation over the last five years. He’d purposefully shorn his hair since Labrax wore his to the middle of his back. The Insedi that stood in front of him now was not the same as he’d seen five years prior and it shook him to the core. When Labrax brought his gaze back, it was lacking any definable emotion.
“Son. I know you’re angry with me. I hoped that we could talk. I was ecstatic to hear that you arrived. You did exceptionally well in front of the Senate. I am very proud of you.”
The spell was broken as soon as Cato smelled the strong scent of wine on Labrax’s breath. His gut clenched with the realization that nothing had changed. Perhaps he’d imagined the long awaited emotion emanating from those familiar eyes. Cato turned away.
“Leave me be, Labrax. I’ve nothing to say. Go back to your drink. That is your chosen companion and she’ll allow you to wallow in her arms without thought. I’ve no time for the foolish.” He ignored the hushed pleas to reconsider. There was nothing left of his emotions to waste.
Fueled by Lust: Cato (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 13
