Page 69 of Alien's Eternal Mate

I steeled my nerves and drew myself up straighter.

“Yes. I’m suggesting exactly that.”

“What if they say no?” Pageus asked.

“Then they say no. If we make joining the empire attractive, they’ll eventually come around on their own. Or they won’t.”

Lo took a step toward me, his eyes filled with worry.

“But some tribes are sitting on potentially incredible Architect artifacts! How else can we get access to them?”

“Lo, there are many artifacts in the world. We do not need to lay hands on them all.”

Even as the words left my mouth, I couldn’t believe I uttered them. My whole reason for becoming a Sage had been to find a way home. I should have been aggressively pushing an expansionist agenda, in order to lay hands on as much Precursor tech as I could. Only then would I have a chance of going home.

It might be time to admit that I really don’t want to go home. Maybe I haven’t wanted to go home for a long time.

Maybe I’ve started to think of this as home.

Lo looked as if he wanted to protest, but Ignio caught his eye and gave a subtle head shake. Lo fell silent, though I could tell he was not happy with my policy decision.

Ignio knew that I was in a vulnerable state as leader at the moment. I enjoyed the respect of the Overtaken warriors for the moment. That could quickly change with little warning, and Lo’s perceived disrespect might make a perfect catalyst.

“Obviously, there is much to discuss,” I said, addressing Nikor. “Would you join me in the Chief’s lodge? It’s best to discuss these matters somewhere less public.”

Nikor nodded.

“It would be my privilege. My warriors have come…”

He put a hand to the side of his head and closed his eyes.

“That is, your warriors have come a long way, and there was little to be foraged upon the rock we alighted upon earlier. Perhaps there could be succor?”

“Our people will share what we have, because now we are all the same.”

“I will see to it,” Zey replied. “If that is going to work for you, my Chief.”

“Of course, Zey. Once you get everything set up, please join us in the lodge. I am but a stripling and could use your wisdom.”

He chuckled, eyes sparkling with merriment.

“Indeed. It takes wisdom to know how much is unknown.”

“Then I must be wise indeed, because I feel like I don’t know shit most days.”

Zey cackled with laughter. I couldn’t be sure, but I felt as if perhaps he were relieved to be done with the burden of leadership. I understood perfectly. I wished to be done with it as well, but there seemed to be no one I could pass the buck off to.

I led Nikor to the chief’s lodge, along with Pageus. I invited Ignio and the Chief Engineer to join us as well. This was considered unusual, but not scandalous.

When I suggested inviting Lo inside, however, to represent the Shunned, I had all the scandal I could handle.

“The hut is for the People only, not those who are Shunned,” Ignio said firmly. Nods went around the circle. “The Architects had no plans for the Shunned, so we cannot allow them into our lives.”

“They are already part of our lives, Ignio. When someone dies, who takes care of the body? Who maintains the flow of fresh water from all of our commodes, so we’re not drowning in our own feces? The Shunned are part of our daily lives. They do not deserve to be shunned at all.”

Pageus’ eyes filled with worry. He looked as if he wanted to stop me, but didn’t know how. Zey frowned, but otherwise showed no overt sign of disapproval.

Nikor, however, had the most intriguing reaction of all. He stroked his chin and pursed his lips, considering my words carefully.

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