Page 4 of The Omega's Unexpected Bounty
“Clones,” I said.
“That are living longer,” he said.
“An abomination,” said my father and I in unison. Our looks linger on each other before Balo continued. “And yet we use the Ryba’s biotechnology and the converted Humans. Why stop there?”
“Because their technology doesn’t birth citizens only to watch them die.”
“I wasn’t aware Volardi feared death,” said Balo.
“We don’t create it for our purposes,” I said. “They are the ones dying, not us. We pursue practicality, not horror.”
Balo stood silent while he thought although I wondered if plotted was a better word. “No matter your thoughts brother. Without a mate, you will not be king. I’ve performed everything asked of me and yet you have not. Our ancestors in their infinite wisdom foresaw firstborns who were not fit to lead. Therefore it goes to those who are. The Sacred Scrolls promise as much.” He gestured to the grey-write sparring dummy in the corner. “Continue to play your games. I’ll apply my time in other areas.”
He turned and bowed to our first father who quickly returned the nod. Once Balo left, my father’s neutral expression left. His forehead furrowed, and he sighed deeply. “There was a time where this wouldn’t be an issue. There would be enough Volardi Femeni or Human Omegas and...”
“... I could have my pick from hundreds. Find the best for Augo, and one I could love.”
He slapped his hands together several times. “I cannot make you the king, only a mate can do that. Even royalty has limits. Unfortunately, there’s been no match. I hoped when I looked down into your eyes years ago, you would have someone from your generation. There are Earth Omegas, and more Femeni than there used to be–”
“But not enough.”
His voice turned flat. “No.”
With no further word, he turned to perform a king’s duties, and I wondered if I would ever have the honor.
I resumed my fight with the sparring dummy but without the sword. I fought the temptation to make it resemble my brother. Even if nobody saw, it would be dishonorable. Yet, in my mind’s eye, I saw his smirking grin while his dark beard and mustache moved with every laugh. Fists sunk into the white, spongy flesh while sweat dripped down my sides. Once finished I panted as I thought. Balo and I were different, but he was smart enough to find a mate. I still refuse to believe he used the lottery. He would do anything he could to ensure he had what I didn’t. It was the same with the black and gold shells I found as a child and now with the throne.
My eyes closed, and I used the implant to call Rodion, my friend and security guard. If things went well, then ‘Royal Advisor’ in the future. A tall, dark-skinned red-head with a coiled ready to strike stance that fit his security profession stood at attention. He said nothing – men like him didn’t speak to fill the silence. They used their aura and muscles to communicate.
I explained the situation and then stopped before I asked my final question. “Is the security shield active?”
He nodded. “No recordings of any kind. You have my word.”
It was all I needed to hear. “We cannot have kingdoms leave. My brother on the throne would be horrible for our people, but I have to learn from him.”
The heaviness in my chest grew. What I was about to ask wasn’t dishonorable, but it wasn’t what most Volardi do. We mated forever. As a Soturi I’m expected to devote my life to my Femeni or Omega – whatever was available.
Yet, there are none for me. All I have is my kingdom. Then that’s what I’ll protect.
“Rodion, can you use yourunconventionalcontacts? Find me a mate willing to stay a full solar rotation?”
No matter what questions he had about ethics, he nodded with a blank expression. “I’ll start immediately.”
He left, and I resumed my fight while I felt my face twist into a frown.Despite my dislike of my brother, I am acting like him. He would be proud.
My post-workout swim and bath was longer than usual.
***
Chapter Three
CAAN
“Time to crash,” I whispered even if there was nobody around. Tiny was back on the main ship. This was a junker I picked up for cheap back in the Ergkis Guild’s shipyards. Nothing but a ring of old crafts past their prime; most useful for one round trip if lucky and nothing more.
I flipped on the General Distress channel then lowered the power so it wouldn’t go beyond the planet. Every few seconds, the dull brown world below streaked through my view screen while the ship rotated. “To all ships within range. This is an emergency broadcast.” My voice rose to a shout. “My engines are without power, and I’m spinning down to the planet Migodi. Request for assistance. Triangulate to the following signal.” I set it for repeat and turned off the response channel.
My body dug into the seat with every spin while I grimaced. My audio implant buzzed, and Tiny’s tinny voice rang in my ear. “You make it look so easy, and they say flying is hard.”
