Calix is broody this solar but he sits up straight and alert. He is the most immaculate, of course, with not a stray fiber on his clothing. His zuta-metals are the shiniest and I know his rocks are the cleanest. I’m glad to see him more like his usual self. For a few solars, I’d been worried we’d have to lock him up in a reform cell until he could get a handle on his abrupt insanity over the awoken one.
Quickly, I scan my morts, giving them all nods of respect, ending with Draven. Then, I flash Aria an encouraging smile and try not to let my gaze linger too long on her swollen breasts that nearly spill from the top of her suit.
“Our planet, Mortuus, is lost and dying. A desolate place where a few lone survivors dwell. We had lost hope. Our future was bleak. Longevity was a luxury we couldn’t afford. The most we could hope for was survival. We’d all but given up,” I say, my voice hoarse and husky.
I reach for Aria’s hand and she gifts it to me, her fingers linking with mine in a display of unity. “But our future has been restored. A seed planted and hope delivered to us like a savory treat. We are no longer lonely. We are no longer without prospect. Aria Aloisius, my mate and wife, has come to us bearing contributions to our world that only she and her people can offer. It will not come without struggle. It will not come without consequence. But, together,” I squeeze her hand, “together, we can once again grow and inhabit this lonely planet. We can rebuild our people and have families.”
I face my men and crack the sub-bones in my neck. My ears flatten and a growl rumbles through me. They all bow their nogs in submission, including my sweet alien. It prides me to know they trust in my leadership. I will never let them down.
“I am Breccan Aloisius, the forgotten commander. My people will have the future they deserve. I’ll make sure of it. But it will not be at the expense of the aliens. With Aria Aloisius’s help, we will create an atmosphere where morts and the aliens can coexist. Reproduction and societal growth will always be of extreme importance. However, it won’t rank over true relationships. The aliens are to be respected, and all morts will honor Madam Commander’s laws regarding the females. When it comes to breeding, it will be by their choice and timeline. They’ll be educated on the importance, but never coerced. All implantation of aliens in cryosleep will cease, for they cannot make their own decisions in that state. They will not be forced into anything they do not want to do, for we are not Kevins.”
While the other morts exchange confused glances, Aria lets out a small snort. “No, you’re not.”
“On this solar, let it be known that Aria Aloisius is hereby deemed Madam Commander and Alien Liaison. Where it regards the aliens, she makes all decisions. I will be her council and together we’ll make this work. All those in favor,” I bark, my eyes darting to each one.
“Aye,” they all bark back at once, a unified front.
“All those not in favor?” I ask. The silence warms me. “Very well.”
Draven’s deep, rumbly voice delivers the final decree. “Our faction of this facility, the only living morts on Mortuus, deem Aria Aloisius as Madam Commander and Alien Liaison. It is done.”
And it is.
As everyone begins to stand, the ceremony over, Aria holds up a hand.
“Please,” she says firmly. “Stay seated for a moment.” Her eyes dart my way and happiness dances in her brown-eyed gaze. “We humans have our own ceremony. Between two married people. Oz?”
Oz, grinning like a rogstud eager to rut, stands and pulls something from the pocket of his minnasuit. He hands it to Aria.
“Thank you.” She nods, dismissing him. Once he’s seated, she turns to me. “Breccan, when I woke up that day, I was terrified. All these big scary guys staring at me as if I were their only hope. Not only was it intimidating, it was overwhelming. The responsibility that came with your hope was so intense. Me, one woman, was to help pave a way for your people. I was frightened and unsure, but as time passed and I fell in love with you, life began to feel right here.
“My life back home was horrible. Looking back, I didn’t realize how I, too, was living without hope. Existing without truly feeling. It wasn’t until I was thrown into your care that I began to search out who I really am. I can’t thank you and the others enough for allowing me to find the real Aria. I have purpose now. As your partner and leader of the human females.”