Page 36 of Scales of Time

“Ah, our arrival has tripped the predator sensors.” He chuckled and set her on her feet.

Four farm hands were approaching warily but stopped when Essan flared his wings.

“Overlord. We weren’t expecting a visit.”

“My consort wishes to see how we grow our food. She has an interest in agriculture.”

The men blinked, and one bowed and ran off.

Kris asked, “Where is he going?”

“To get the property owner.”

“Why?”

“Because I am the overlord, and there is etiquette involved.”

“Oh. We didn’t get that. Harwin and I got hold-maintenance and cargo-handling instructions instead. I thought it was more useful at the time, but then, I never thought I would end up on a world with someone like you.”

He leaned in and kissed her temple. “Nor I you. But, here you are, and you are going to immerse yourself in our culture, and they are going to understand why you are the one to spawn the next generation.”

“You seem awfully sure about that.”

Essan chuckled. “I am willing to put as much time and focus as is necessary to accomplish our offspring, and then, to make sure it wasn’t a singular event, we will do it again.”

Kris wrinkled her nose, and he grinned. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her temple again. “You will be fine.”

“I will be huge.”

“That too. And the gestation of a Hmrain will be longer than that of your species. It will grow slowly and develop within you to an extreme degree.”

“A Hmrain? You mean a half-breed.”

“No, the designers changed you for a purpose, and I believe they are tired of making more Hmrain. They will likely go on to other species and other parts of the universe.”

She blinked. “Well, crossing fingers that it will take time so I can get acclimated to the idea.”

He chuckled. “What did you think we were doing?”

“Practicing?” She looked at him hopefully.

He hissed softly. “Excellent. Tell me when I have gotten it right.”

She blushed, and the farmer arrived.

The man bowed. “Overlord. Welcome to the farm. Is there any particular reason for your visit?”

“My consort’s family has a relationship with farming, and it is the most animated I have seen her in court since she arrived.” He smiled. “So, you were the first farmer that I thought of, and as you have all levels of tech here, it was more likely that she would find something familiar to her home world.”

“Thank you, Grandfather.” The dark blue male with shiny scales smiled. “So, you are my new grandmother?”

Kris shrugged. “I guess. Oh, I am going to tell Yorness that she has to treat me with additional respect and possibly a cute nickname, like Nana.”

The farmer grinned and extended his hand to her. “I am Mortetic.”

“Pleased to meet you. I am Kris.”

“So, what should I call you? Nana Kris?”

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