by Ava Ryant
After they had been told the news about their Mating and the Alliance, she and Ryhs had established a routine of sorts. They would convene with the Laren delegation in the morning, going over proposals and conditions for the alliance. They would all lunch together - eat ice cream - then they would have the afternoons free. The Laren loved the public gardens, the theatre and the other recreational areas that were built for public use. Thankfully, the Techno’s bots had reconstructed the damaged areas in the town square in record time and it was back to full-use.
If they were not in meetings with her or on their ship, then the Laren could be found exploring these areas. The colonists were getting used to seeing the Laren wandering around and a few even made friendly overtures when the Laren looked confused or lost. It was a start. It gave her hope for the future that an Alliance between them could work.
Ryhs too was turning out to be unexpected. Every day he seemed to lose more of his overt arrogance and superior attitude as he opened up to her. She wasn’t sure if it was an effect of the mating or if he was just naturally an introvert personality. Either way, he was starting to have an effect on her. Alexa thought back to just that morning and sighed.
* * * * *
“You know ice cream is not really a breakfast food.” She said amused as she watched Ryhs eat another bite of a banana split sundae and tried not to laugh at his expression of bliss.
“It is most delightful, this banana split.”
“Yes, but you know ice cream is a desert, right? It’s not really good for you to eat for every meal.”
“Hmmm...yes but I think you humans have an expression; You only live once.” He said and she laughed at his pure devilish smile. His eyes spinning with honey yellow and burnt orange.
“I can’t argue with that.”
Then another memory flashed in her mind:
Alexa stretched, her muscles tight from sitting so long. She and Ryhs had been going over the Alliance paperwork all evening and she needed a break. Ryhs looked up, his face concerned.
“You are hurting.” He said in a worried voice.
“My neck is tight from sitting so long.”
“Why did you not say so?” He asked, getting up and coming over to her. His hands massaging her neck and she moaned as wonderful heat spread and eased her tight muscles.
“You do not take care of yourself.” He grumbled at her and she bit back a smile.
“I’m used to it.” She answered. He growled.
“I will not allow you to hurt yourself like this. You work too hard. It is good I am now here to ensure your comfort and well-being from now on.” He said in an arrogant tone. Normally she would be irritated by this except...the bond between them was strengthening. She could feel his worry and it made her...not so irritated. It was sorta nice having someone look after her after all.
That memory faded and another flooded her:
“You’re willing to install a Transit Gate for wormhole travel between our two planets.” She said confirming this during their negotiations. Ryhs nodded as they went over details of the Alliance.
“Yes, it will allow easy travel between our planets and others. Currently the nearest gate is almost a full ailon of travel - or two months by your timespan - away at high warp. It is not conducive for trade or military support. Placing a gate will allow almost instantaneous transport.”
“That is...both good and concerning. What about security? Is anyone allowed through the gates? What about the Kraith? Won’t this make it easier for them to come here en masse.” She asked, concerned.
“Part of what makes the Laren so formidable is our gate technology, they are very secure; a two key system, requiring authorization on both ends for the wormhole to open between them. A command center would be established at a space station that would run the gate and defend it if necessary. We would staff it with both of our people. No one would be allowed through without approval. The Kraith would not be able to breach the security on both ends. The gates are also designed to allow only one ship at a time through and you must go at a significantly slow speed or your ship will be ripped apart.”
“Okay.” Alexa nodded, feeling better with his assurances. A touch on her arm had her looking up. Ryhs was close, his face concerned, his hand touching her skin made her...tingle.
“What?”
“I...know…” He sighed, seemingly hardpressed to find the right words before continuing,
“I’ve seen the devastation the Kraith have wrought. Worlds...gone. I would never suggest placing a gate here if I thought…” He said with hesitation as if unsure how his sympathies would be accepted by her and Alexa’s throat tightened with pain-filled memories. Her parents were dead, her aunts, uncles, cousins and best friends...all gone. Her world torn apart, only now just recovering. All because of one species’s hatred. Alexa’s blinked rapidly, holding back her tears.
“Most of my family...they’re gone. My sister...she’s all that I have left of them.” She choked out, her eyes burning with unshed tears. His hand tightened on hers as their gazes caught and held.
“Not anymore.” He said in a quiet voice.
* * * * *
Alexa got up, her body was still strung out and she knew she needed to run. It was either that or ravish Ryhs in the guest room. She only hoped he was up again. She dressed quickly and went to his room, knocking softly. The door swung open and Ryhs stood there, ready and waiting as if he knew she was coming. He was dressed in his workout gear and she gave him a small smile.
“I’m surprised you’re up?” Alexa said as they left and headed towards the fitness center.
“I was awoken suddenly.” He said giving her a grin she didn’t understand. Alexa nodded and they did their early morning workout.
_________________________
Alexa smiled across from Ambassador Lyric and the healer, Simin. The Ambassador had asked her that morning if she and Ryhs would have a private dinner on the Laren vessel tonight, saying he wanted to get to know her better since she was now...gulp...his daughter. When he had said that she had froze. Ryhs coming to her side instantly, his hand warm on her back, sending soothing energy through her, as memories flooded her.
Alexa hadn’t been someone’s daughter in six long years. It was...daunting to think she was again. That moment of sheer terror told her much about herself and why she was so hesitant to bond with Ryhs. Alexa had looked at his concerned face and fought not to cry, right there in front of everyone as she thought of her own parents. Somehow, she managed to croak out an acceptance and now here they were. She had changed five times until settling on a classic cream wrap dress that fell to her knees and a braided updo with simple diamond earrings and matching clutch purse. She hoped this was acceptable for a meet-the-parents type of thing with...Aliens. Ryhs, at least, had looked at her with interest. A savage, carnal expression that had seared her to her bones. Although that wasn’t saying much, he seemed to always look at her that way now. It made it really difficult to hold back.
The Laren ship was similar to a luxury cruise-liner, lavish, grand and opulent. Now that she had had a chance to look around - without tearing it apart that is - she noticed the grandeur and elegance of the vessel. Iridescent walls shot an effusion of color around everywhere, the built-in furniture was modern and stylish, the decoration extravagant but the technology was...fascinating. The quote “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic” came to mind as she peered around. She didn’t understand half of it. Her favorite spot on the ship was a large viewing atrium that acted as a common area for the crew to gather. It had a massive window that looked outside the ship, lounge seating and a bar/dining area. It was filled with potted plants and these weird floating bubbles of colorful flowers that...danced in the air, tinkling as they bumped into each other and drifted around.
“You will love Sarienne, Alexa. It is the largest of our planets and at least, I think, the most beautiful.” Ambassador Lyric said after serving them their meal in a private
dining room. Alexa startled at his words.
“Err...I’m sorry what?” She asked puzzled by his words. He looked at her confused before turning accusingly to his son.
“You have not spoken with her yet?” He said in a strict dad-tone and Alexa realized she was missing something. She turned to Ryhs and arched her eyebrow in question. He scowled at his father.
“We have been busy negotiating the agreement. I have not broached the subject yet since it is not finished.” His father scoffed and Alexa agreed with the sentiment behind it.
“Why don’t you tell me now.” She said and Ryhs looked uncomfortable, squirming in his seat for a moment before stopping abruptly, an embarrassed look on his face. Alexa bit her lip so as not to laugh, she could just imaging him as a naughty child who was trying to get out of being in trouble when he did that. Suddenly, he looked up and their eyes caught. Alexa was mesmerized by the infusion of colors twisting around his pupils, it was a rainbow of sunset; apricot orange to creamy peach and dark ambers all blended together in a dazzling display.
“We wish you to be the Ambassador for Earth on Sarienne. If the Alliance is accepted, Earth will have an Ambassador on Sarienne, as we will have one on Earth. It makes logical sense for you to be Ambassador.” He said and she was stunned. Ambassador, her? Of course, Alexa knew that they would need an Ambassador but...she had not thought that far ahead. Everything seemed to be happening so fast and with so many distractions taking up her focus. Suddenly, she remembered back to her visions.
“Does Sarienne have a violet colored sky and three moons?” She asked abruptly and Alexa saw the Laren give her wide-eyed looks. Ryhs stared at her with intense focus and nodded. A knowing look in his eye. Alexa looked blankly down at her plate, her mind taken back to that third vision. She had been on Sarienne. It seemed obvious now. And the Kraith were going to invade...should she say something? She didn’t know how far in the future that was and didn’t want to cause undue alarm, but she knew one thing. Alexa could not let the Kraith do there what it had done to Earth. For whatever reason she knew she needed to be there and do everything possible to help them prepare for what was to come. What she was about to do was going to change everything for her - again - but it couldn’t be helped. It was something she had to do. Alexa looked up and said in a strong voice filled with determination,
“Yes, I think it would be best if I was Ambassador. I will contact the Prime Commander about the posting tomorrow.”
She wouldn’t tell them about the Kraith yet. Time for that later. Ryhs had a stunned look on his face before smiling brilliantly at her and...leaned in, before Alexa understood what he was going to do, their lips connected in a kiss. And what a kiss it was. They touched and it was like being shocked with electricity. She leaned into him as their lips clung together and danced in a fiery display of need and want and lust, only breaking apart when they heard a loud cough. Alexa felt her cheeks heat and knew she was blushing, as she looked across the table at the smiling faces of the Ambassador and Simin. She had forgotten they were there. Not Good.
“Your La’Ra is going to be so pleased. She will be praying to the fates for you to get with a youngling during your first heat cycle, I’m sure. I wouldn’t be opposed to it either.” Ambassador Lyric laughed and Ryhs groaned next to her.
“Heat cycle?” Alexa asked confused. Healer Simin jumped in the conversation eagerly, her curiosity obvious.
“I have been wanting to ask you about this. Your people did not release much information on your reproduction to the Coalition. I was hoping you might tell me more, I promise to keep it confidential, but I am ever so curious. Do you experience heat cycles, like the Laren. We assumed since you are obviously compatible that you do. How many in your life-time? What is the average number of younglings? Can you have multiples?” Simin burst out in a rush and Alexa was the one to squirm in her seat this time. Ryhs giving her an amused look, watching her. Earth had not released too much information about this topic but Alexa already knew she was going to have a Human/Laren hybrid baby...eventually and a long-ass pregnancy. Since she assumed she would be on Sarienne, Alexa would need medical care and Simin would be the obvious choice. As Chancellor, she could release more information at her discretion. Perhaps it would be wise to give Simin this knowledge.
“Well, I am assuming the Laren have heat cycles of fertility? Yes?” She asked and Simin launched into speech once more.
“Yes, once a Laren experiences the Mating Spark their reproductive drive activates. It is usually about one to two years after the initial spark that the female goes into heat. This is the first time she is fertile and the mated couple goes into seclusion to...err...join. It can last three or four days and after that time a female is either pregnant or not. If she is, then in three years, if everything goes well, she will labor the youngling. If she is not pregnant, the next heat cycle is usually almost five years later. A female is lucky to experience three heat cycles in her entire lifetime. Very, very rarely does it happen a fourth time. It is why it is so rare for Laren to have more than one child. Not every heat cycle is successful. Is that similar to Humans?” She asked eagerly.
Alexa was stunned, only three chances to get pregnant, ever. That was...wow. What happened if you didn’t get pregnant at all? Was there adoption? Surrogacy? Or did you just...never get the chance to be a mother or father?
“Err...humans are vastly more fertile than that.” She said and saw all the Laren’s eyes widen with excitement.
“Do you have more heat cycles? How many? Is…” Simin started to pepper her with questions and Alexa held up her hand with a laugh, halting her.
“I’ll give you a brief overview of our reproduction. I’m not a Medic so for more specifics I will grant you access to speak to Gerome our Chief Medical Officer. He will be able to go into details with you.” Alexa said and took a deep breath, knowing what she was about to say would blow their mind.
“Human females become fertile during puberty, a period in time during our teen years usually. We...err...have a monthly menstruation cycle where we could become pregnant from then on until usually our fourth or fifth decade. So, I guess we have about twelve heat cycles a year.” She said to the absolutely silent room. The Laren were staring at her with stunned shock.
“After the invasion it became law for everyone, males and females, to be implanted with a birth control capsule. It allows us to...err...join without risk of becoming pregnant.”
Ryhs jerked up to his feet and stared down at her with alarm.
“You have a device that prevents procreation in you, right now?” He demanded and she nodded. Unplanned pregnancies were not allowed, the laws put in place after the ROE was created, prevented the population from becoming too-vast for our resources and for no children to be born without a family. There were no orphans on Earth. Children were precious, allowed only to those who could provide for them, both emotionally and physically. Violence or abuse against children carried a death sentence. Harsh, maybe, but there were a whole lot less child abuse cases now. Or unwanted pregnancies.
“How long do you carry the youngling for?” Simin asked in a still stunned-sort-of voice.
“Nine months.” Alexa said and again...stunned silence. She didn’t tell them about her vision and the eighteen months she would probably be pregnant for with a Human/Laren hybrid baby.
“We must remove the capsule. What if it damages you? What if...” Ryhs started to say in an anxious, panicky voice as he tried to tug her to stand and Alexa realized she could actually feel his distress flicker through her. She reached over and took his hand, soothing him with her touch, as if it was a natural thing to do.
“Ryhs, look at me.” Alexa said in quiet voice. His panicked eyes churning in a riot of black and gold as they bore into hers. She could understand his alarm, his people had very few chances for children, to him it must seem like she was purposefully throwing hers away.
“I know this is different for you and your people and you’re a bit panicked
but take a deep breath. The capsule just controls my hormone levels, once it’s removed it will be as if I never had it and I would be able to get pregnant in a...err...normal fashion. But I’m not ready yet. Okay?” She said in a soothing, calm voice that leached his panic away bit-by-slow-bit. Until he finally took a calm breath and sat again, staring listlessly at the table. He was still in shock.
“Your people control your birth rates.” Ambassador Lyric said in an astonished voice, shaking his head as if he couldn’t believe it to be true.
“We do now, yes. Before, things were more chaotic and we had overpopulation and other problems because we didn’t.”
“So you could have more than one youngling with my son? Maybe two? Maybe...Fates...maybe even three or...four?” He asked in a giddy tone and she bit back a smile. She wasn’t so certain she wanted four kids but she didn’t have the heart to tell him that just yet. Two or three, maybe. And now she was thinking about that vision again, it was always there in the back of her mind. Just waiting to pounce when she least expected it. She shook her head clear and said,
