Page 20 of Baby for the Serp General

“What is it?” asked Zath.

“What if there was a way to allow the women to choose their mates?” She glanced at her mother. “Would you be open to that?”

“I’m not sure.” Rosalie frowned. “How would that work?”

“I’m not sure yet, but it’s worth exploring, isn’t it?” Natalia met her mother’s gaze. “We could create a system where the women could select their partners from a pool of eligible males.”

“That might work.” Rosalie nodded slowly. “I’ll think about it.”

Zath regarded Natalia with curiosity. “We have been forming pairs working on the basis of genetic compatibility that requires the least modification.”

“Yes, but it’s always the compatible male who gets to choose. The one of highest rank, right?” asked Rosalie.

“Correct.” Pate inclined his head.

“So, what if the choice was reversed?” Rosalie suggested. “What if the female had the final say?”

“Interesting.” Zath tapped his chin. “Go on.”

“We could create a database of available males and allow the females to choose from those.” Rosalie’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “They could even meet in person and get to know each other before making a decision.”

“The idea has merit.” Zath nodded. “It could improve the chances of successful matches.”

“Our numbers aren’t so dire now either,” said Pate, looking thoughtful. “There is more time for negotiating breeding arrangements.”

“Or making true matches,” said Natalia as she put her hand on Zath’s.

“Exactly.” Rosalie smiled. “And it would give the women a sense of control over their futures.”

“I think it’s a great idea.” Natalia grinned. “Right now, only about seventy percent of women stay with their alien and offspring. An element of choice might lead to more permanent matches too.”

“What will happen to the human population if we all interbreed?” Rosalie frowned.

“Our population is down too, Mom. A lot of people died in the invasion, and we do have fewer men than women. If it’s a choice, not an obligation, I bet there will be a lot more voluntary pairings,” she said. “Most importantly, it restores choice for everyone, no matter with whom they partner, or how they build their families.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Rosalie sighed. “I just want humanity to survive, and I’m not sure this is the best way.”

“I understand, but I think it’s worth trying. We can’t go on like this forever.” Natalia reached out and took her mother’s hand. “We have to find a way to coexist, and this could be a step in the right direction.”

“I know, but it’s a lot to take in.” Rosalie’s expression was conflicted as she glanced at the Grand Admiral. “I’ll have to think about it.”

“Thank you.” Zath smiled. “We’re eager to find a solution that benefits all our species.”

“I appreciate that.” Rosalie met his gaze, her expression softening. “I want peace for my daughter’s sake.”

“As do I.” Zath’s eyes glowed with warmth as he looked at his mate. How he loved her.

Pate cleared his throat. “Let’s adjourn for the evening. We can resume our discussions in the morning.”

“Agreed.” Zath stood, offering his hand to Natalia. “Shall we retire,vrash?”

“I’d love to.”

As Zath took Natalia’s hand, Pate asked, “May I take you to dinner, Rosalie?”

Rosalie blushed. “I’d like that.”

Pate escorted her out, leaving Natalia and Zath alone.

---