Page 51 of Orange Tundra
"Wait." Brynn's hand went to her belly, her expression thoughtful. "The baby carries both our genetic signatures, right? Mine and whoever the father is?"
"Theoretically, yes, but?—"
She moved too fast for me to catch.
She was already moving toward the barrier, placing both hands flat against the crystal surface. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, slowly, the red warning light shifted to amber, then blue, then brilliant white as the barrier recognized not just her alien DNA, but the hybrid life growing within her.
The crystal wall dissolved, revealing a corridor that stretched deeper into the mountain's heart.
"Incredible," Sim breathed. "She's not just the key—she's carrying the key."
We advanced through increasingly elaborate chambers, each revealing more of the White Tribe's sophisticated understanding of genetics and reproduction. But with each step forward, I could see Brynn growing more tired, her breathing more labored.
"Almost there," Onork assured us as we approached what was clearly a final chamber. "The deepest sanctuary, where their most precious knowledge was kept."
But when we reached the massive doors of the inner sanctum, even Brynn's genetic signature wasn't enough. The crystal locks remained stubbornly active, pulsing with dangerous energy that made the hair on my arms stand on end.
"It's not recognizing us," she said, frustration clear in her voice.
I studied the door's configuration, noting the complex pattern of crystal nodes and energy conduits. "This isn't just about genetics," I realized. "It's about intent. The White Tribe built this as their final repository—it won't open for anyone seeking knowledge for selfish reasons."
The Blue Tribe would laugh at the concept. But us Purple Tribe, we believed and continued the White Tribe's efforts, but with more ethical approach.
Then again, I looked at Sim, my fated mate. He was forced to endure body transformation to look like me, to protect the true heir. Nothing ethical about that.
"What do you mean?"Brynn urged.
"I think," I said slowly, "it requires a true mating bond. Not just physical attraction or even fated compatibility, but genuine emotional commitment to shared offspring."
Brynn looked between Sim and me, understanding dawning in her eyes. "But we don't know who the father is."
Someone or a group of someones gasped in the crowd. Yes, they are slowly piecing the information together that Brynn was carrying a half-breed Manasty child. Whispers broked out, then silenced when CG growled. Good thing Nif was left behind at the entrance to guard it. Otherwise, he might have announced it way before we reached this section.
"Doesn't matter," Sim said quietly, stepping forward to place his hand next to hers on the crystal surface. "We're both committed to this child, regardless of genetics."
I joined them, my palm flat against the warm crystal. "The baby is ours. All of ours. That's what matters."
The moment our three hands touched the barrier together, the entire door blazed with white light. But instead of dissolving like the previous barriers, this one held firm.
"It's not enough," Onork observed. "The deepest knowledge requires the full family unit."
Zirc. We needed Zirc here, and Roqs, and possibly Coone even if he was from another planet. The barrier was demanding proof of our complete commitment—all of Brynn's mates standing together in unified purpose.
"We'll have to come back," I said, though the words tasted like failure in my mouth. "Once we're all together, once Zirc is safe..."
"But there's still knowledge here," Brynn pointed out, gesturing to the inscriptions covering the outer chamber walls. "Maybe enough to help until we can return."
I nodded, pulling out my recording device to capture as much of the White Tribe's wisdom as possible. The fertility chronicles alone contained more information about cross-species pregnancy than existed in all of modern manasty medicine.
"You forgot, Brynn," Sim looped his arms around her. "Elder Onork said the Elders has information coming from Zirc's fathers, and all the medical tests for the alien female."
He looked at Xy, who nodded. "That is where we will go next-" Brynn made a sign of protest. Sim pressed a finger lightly on her pouty mouth that I want to bite. "Patience, love. Of course we'll rescue Zirc first before we go storming the Elders' fortress."
CG snorted. "Good luck with that."
Sim and I stared at CG, who stared back at us. When this is all over, I will ask Xy to recruit him for the Red Guards.
"You've got to be kidding!" CG's outburst was followed by turning to look at Xy and Clitasoxdfwe’h. "No one has ever breached the Elders' stronghold and lived. You both were supposed to be kidnapped or possibly dead, and Roqs' a wanted man for being the mastermind of your demise."
