Page 56 of Alien's Eternal Mate

“Yes. The technique involves burying fish and small game offal in the dirt along with the seeds.”

“Indeed. And now every farmer uses this technique, do they not? Even though it’s not traditional? They changed the way they did things, for the better. Only a chief wise and brave enough to face the future can change Masari culture for the better. You are such a chief.”

He looked up at me sharply, and then a slight smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

“I think I am being manipulated, but for the best of reasons. Very well, Gro. We will arm and train the Shunned.”

“Not all of the shunned are going to make good warriors. I want them to be blended in with the other castes too. We’re going to need the help of everyone in the village if we’re going to survive.”

“Save the village, by destroying our traditions.” Zey shook his shaggy head. “I’m not certain I want to be the chief responsible for this.”

“We’re not destroying tradition, just modifying it. Like putting fish offal over your seeds, this will make you stronger Masari.”

Pageus took a step forward, and laid a hand on Zey’s arm.

“This is truly the best way, my Chief. If we tried to run, Jark would simply track us down. He cannot allow the affront to his honor and reputation that we now represent. Delay it we can, prevent it we cannot.”

Zey’s lips drew into a thin, tight line.

“Very well. Tell me about these plans of yours, Sage Gro.”

I sighed in relief.

“You’re making the right decision, Chief Zey.”

He cackled, a glint of life showing in his gaze for the first time.

“That remains to be seen, but I must admit, you make me feel that victory isn’t just a dream, but a possibility.”

We went into the Chief’s hut and drew our plans. I invited the Chief Engineer, whose name turned out to be Obrian, and Ignio to join us. We had much to discuss.

Using a writing implement formed out of a soft mineral surrounded by a dried plant resin, I drew out rough blueprints for both ballista and trebuchet. The emphasis on single combat in Masari culture had led to a dearth of siege and anti-personnel weaponry. I intended to fill in that gap with my, perhaps unfair, knowledge of xeno technology.

Obrian chimed in and asked why we didn’t use the Masari equivalent of rubber instead of ropes to create tension. The weapons could then be reloaded far more quickly. I hadn’t known of Masari rubber, which made my decision to include the Engineer a happy accident.

Then Ignio suggested using sky breaker harness technology to increase the size of the payloads our siege weaponry could fire. Our enthusiasm grew to the point none of us noticed the sun had long since set, and dawn was not far away.

I trudged out of the chief’s home, tired but happy, and nearly tripped over Arael. She stirred from where she sat in the doorframe, rubbing her eyes.

“What are you still doing here?”

“I am waiting for you. We have spent enough time apart recently, have we not?”

I couldn’t refute that. I took her in my arms and kissed her sweet, soft lips.

“You and the Chieftains spoke for some time. What is to come of our village? Will we fight, or will we flee?”

I took her hand in my own and gave it a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

“We will fight.”

“Good.”

Her jaw set hard, and fires danced in her gaze. I remembered just how formidable she truly could be.

“Arael,” I said softly, caressing her cheek. “I’m sorry it took me so long to come for you. I hope that, well, I hope that you were not treated…with disrespect.”

I couldn’t meet her gaze. Arael put her hands on my cheeks and lifted my gaze to meet her own.

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