Page 23 of Argen Mate
“Do they even know we are here?” I asked. “It sounds like a general demand for the return of abductees from the Sargans.”
“We never checked the records from theRaunerto see if we were listed,” Harper said.
“But they will know because Commander Maktu put in that request,” Scarlet said with a critical edge to her tone.
“Scarlet, you need to understand that I have to follow the laws. Command has decided to rescind our resignation from the Consortium,” Maktu said. “I know how you all feel. I don’t want to lose Harper any more than you want to lose your mates.”
“I’m not going,” Harper said. “Aren’t we now Farseek citizens because we aresolmatu?”
“According to our laws you are,” Maktu said.
“Then no one should force us to go back,” I said. “We are not being held against our will. You rescued us and took us in. We should have the right to stay here if we choose.”
“I think it’s a matter of letting them know that it is your choice,” Maktu said. “I don’t think this applies to Sahvin and Nora since he is from an Alliance world. Right now, there is nothing we can do but wait to hear back through channels.
“First we make our case to the Consortium, and the Consortium decides if it will advocate for us. I believe they will because they recognizesolmatu.That’s just how bureaucracy works.”
“My people have been taking humans from Earth for centuries, and the Alliance has looked the other way because they aremeomee,” said Sahvin. “I believe they may be demanding their return because the Picans abducted them from Earth. Once they affirm their wish to stay with us, I believe that will settle the issue.”
“I sure hope so,” I said wringing my hands under the table. “My life is with Argen now. We are going to settle on Farseek and make a family.”
I wondered if Argen had gotten this news wherever he was.
“Let’s see of our mates are listed in the Pican database.” Commander Maktu took out his personal tablet, and the small virtual screen lit on the table in front of him. He worked it with his fingers. Seconds later he said, “there. All of them are listed.”
“Damn!” Pyrr Avantu muttered. “Then we wait---but we are not going to surrender our mates. They have always been free to leave if they wished. They are even now, although we do not want them to leave.”
“They will drag me away kicking and screaming,” I muttered, on the verge of angry tears. Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think I could have the kind of love I had with Argen. Until that moment, I had been blissfully happy with him and the plans we were making for the future.
