The next phase was out of my hands, at least for now. The Imperials had kept their conversations private, but I knew phase two would come quickly after inhabiting Earth and securing the planet. My suspicions? They’d bring every Cenzan of importance to Earth, especially the males, and begin the mating process. I had no doubt my next orders would entail weeding out the unsuitable human females, preparing the others for a life of servitude.

  Just like Fiona.

  I shook my head at the thought, swirling the ruby liquid in my glass. I’d grown fond of red wine since stepping foot on their soil, enjoying the flavor as well as the aftereffects. The wine had a relaxing effect on my body as well as my mind, allowing me to focus. I’d made a difficult decision, and telling both Braga as well as Kalek would be challenging, but in my mind, necessary.

  I noticed the flashing light in the reflection, indicating a visitor. A simple shift of my hand near the telescan camera was all that was needed, allowing entrance.

  “You asked for both of us, Captain?” Kalek asked through clenched teeth.

  He reeked of continued anger, his arrogance now an insult. However, I couldn’t blame him. These were trying times, uncertainty taxing everyone. “Yes.” I walked toward the small cabinet, grabbing two additional glasses and pouring.

  “Our captain is in the mood to celebrate,” Braga chided with a laugh.

  “At least you’re alive, my brother.” Kalek flopped onto one of the chairs, placing his arms over the curved back. “At least we all are. For now.”

  “What in the hell did I miss?” Braga eased onto another chair, accepting the wine without any hesitation.

  Kalek, on the other hand, turned his nose at my offer. I resisted slamming the glass on the table in front of him, instead placing it in a controlled fashion.

  “We are about to enter another phase of our mission, one that we anticipated when we accepted our station. Nothing more,” I insisted, moving back to the window.

  “Your mission, Prince of Cenzan, was to lead several ships to this solar system, namely to this planet and explore the opportunities and report back to the Imperials. If everything was as we’d hoped, then a planned invasion. I certainly didn’t hear about the addition of creating a world war.” Kalek grabbed the wine, tossing back half the contents.

  I was far too weary from the last day to wage a personal war with him. “The Imperials have an entirely second mission.”

  “Colonization. Of course,” Kalek stated.

  Braga snorted. “The chancellor also seeks your father’s power.”

  This had been an ongoing issue for decades. “My father will rip out his heart with his fingers.”

  Both men at least chuckled.

  Several thoughts settled into my mind. I had to be completely open with my men. “The Earth clock is ticking, our invasion set to begin in little more than two days. The poison used on Braga was fast moving, poised to move to the vital organs if unchecked. This couldn’t have been created by the humans alone. Do you understand what I’m telling you?”

  Braga sat up on the edge of his seat. “One of us. But why? Who would want to stop our mission to find a new home? That doesn’t make any sense.”

  “That I don’t know, and I’m baffled by the reason as well.”

  “The Sanzarkans perhaps? They would love nothing more than to kill us off and get ahold of our planet,” Kalek chuckled.

  “Yes, that is also true,” I said absently. This was a distinct possibility. “Before we left, there had also been unsubstantiated rumors regarding unscrupulous activities as told to me by the chancellor. Meaning, they suspected the mission could be compromised in some fashion, but they had no idea how. My mission was also to try to locate this source, if he or she existed.”

  “Why we toured the various government facilities.” Braga smiled. “Brilliant.”

  “Given what occurred, I would agree with the chancellor that I failed in my duties, almost killing one of our own. Before you ask, we are very lucky that we even remain on this mission.” I was fascinated by the number of bodies of water, the aquamarine colorations such a beautiful draw. No matter the absolute beauty in and around me, my senses remained on high alert. My father had kept an important part of the mission from me. Of that, I was certain. Why? What was he afraid of?

  “You had no way of knowing which ship or soldier would be attacked by this defector. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Braga kept his words even. “Even if you’d told me your suspicions, who would have thought that food the humans were eating could be poisoned.”

  “And why aren’t the humans getting ill?” Kalek added.

  Braga nodded. “Another good point. Whoever this traitor, they’d have to know our physical makeup and how it compares to humans.”

  “Perhaps the poison was targeted and not widespread,” Kalek suggested.

  “That makes more sense,” Braga agreed.

  “Maybe. Maybe not, but there is no doubt this defector knows of my role on this particular ship.” These pieces hadn’t been difficult to put together; however, there had been plenty of opportunities to try to kill me. What was I missing?

  “You were the target.” Kalek half laughed, the sound bitter. “Of course. Kill the prince. Your father is getting older and his health is fading. You are the next in line. There’s a long list of those vying against you. I daresay it will be difficult to narrow down to just one.”

  This time I turned, shooting Kalek a look of discord. “That aside, we still have our assignment and I refuse to be thwarted by anything the humans might try to do. Besides, we have a cure.”

  “You’re so certain?” Kalek asked.

  “He has no faith,” Braga teased.

  Kalek snorted. “Why should I have any faith? Our people are dying. Hundreds every day. And what are our leaders doing? Wallowing in self-pity while luxuriating in posh surroundings. Including your father, the great king. He even failed in his attempt to secure a portion of Sanzarkan for our people to live on or food to try to keep us alive.”

  I had my hand wrapped around his throat, squeezing as I lifted him into the air within a Cenzan second. “At least my father attempted to make peace while everyone before him instigated additional wars.”

  “Whoa, Shandar. He’s just upset. We all are.” Braga jumped to my side, making certain I could see his face, his calm exterior. He was always the patient one, no matter how many planets he destroyed or species he exterminated.

  Kalek held his breath until his skin became a pronounced violet, but he refused to back down.

  Snuffing, I dropped him. “I didn’t ask you here to argue or to have you chastise what I’ve done or what the Federation has done. We are at a crossroads. Plans are being finalized to swarm the Earth. While I might not like what the king has planned, I’m a soldier, just like the two of you. We are required to follow orders, or we will be eliminated.”

  Coughing, Kalek rubbed his throat. “I understand. I miss our home, Shandar, our way of life. While I’m enjoying certain spoils of partaking in what Earth has to offer, I’d prefer to have my family, my home. Even you can understand that.”

  “Of course I do! But you know very well why we are fighting. We are here to learn and achieve the goals as demanded by the Federation. We may never have a home to go back to. We have a chance on Earth to regroup, restore our numbers, food, and fuel. We could be a true civilization again.”

  “Living alongside humans?” Kalek asked, a sneer on his face. “Wait a minute. Mating with them? That’s what much of this colonization is about. Isn’t it? Isn’t it?”

  “As ordered,” I half whispered. “Yes. Mating, and I have found my mate.” The proclamation needed to be made.

  “Gods above,” Braga chortled. “We should have guessed.”

  “This is blasphemous. I know this human you captured is beautiful, but there’s no reason to trust her,” Kalek huffed. “Granted, you can keep her as a slave, but you honestly can’t tell me that you want that kind of life.”

  “She did save my life,” Braga insisted. “She could have simply allowed me to die. Besides, we can’t regroup in numbers without some form of help, including cooperation from humans.”

  “This human could have injected you with something worse.” Kalek rolled his eyes. “She should be locked away until we’re certain.”

  I’d never been as angry with my friend as I was at this moment. “Interesting perspective coming from you,” I said, lashing out.

  “Meaning?” Kalek narrowed his eyes.

  “It seems you don’t have any issue tasting her, my brother. Her scent is all over you, marking you. I entrust her safety to you and what do you do?” I had no right being angry with him, but the very nanosecond I detected her scent, I became enraged.

  He back-stepped, hissing. “It’s my right as predetermined by your word.”

  “Both of you, calm down. Additional dissention we don’t need!” Braga snarled, cursing under his breath, directing his attention to Kalek. “You are still under the captain’s direct command at all times!”

  “So I’ve been told several times,” Kalek rebutted. “I know my rights as well as my requirements.”

  I was finished with sparring for the day. Jealousy was my own issue and that beast would need to stay locked down. The scent of Fiona, the taste of her lingered in my mind as well as my mouth and I hungered for more. “Braga is correct in that we must work together. Fiona is my responsibility as I brought her on this ship. I will make certain she follows the rules. She will eventually accept your role as our slave and that does mean she will please both of you as commanded. I only ask that you don’t place her in harm’s way or you will have to contend with me.”

  Braga shrank back. “I missed a hell of a lot while I was incapacitated. I’ll be eager to formally meet this human that two of my friends have no issue fighting over.”

  I had to smile. “You are a good friend, Braga.”

  “When were you planning on telling us about the requirement to mate with humans?” Kalek smiled and yanked his glass from the table, polishing off the rest of the wine. He walked with ease toward the open bottle, pouring a hefty amount.

  Braga narrowed his eyes. “He’s right, Shandar. Why weren’t we told about this? We knew certain tests were being run, but to require?”

  “Very few have been told, Braga. This has been under discussion with the chancellor and the cabinet for some time. Not everyone will be required, at least at first.” I’d objected to the concept the minute my father told me, even laughing in his face. How could they possibly know if humans could produce children with Cenzans, I’d asked? Then I’d been told about the scientific experiments that had been occurring for almost two decades. And all behind my back and with Vlanea’s help. I’d balked at her selection to the ship, but it was ordered. Her time on Earth and clandestine conversations had been planned.

  I’d only learned after confronting Vlanea early on in the mission. My father hadn’t trusted me enough to let me know about the men and women who’d been captured by highly and secretively trained soldiers. Their single mission had been to locate, hunt, and secure prized individuals for testing. And mating, which had been successful. Or so I’d been told. What I’d heard had been disgusting, revolting. We were nothing but true barbarians.

  “This female I sensed. You’ve really brought her here.” Braga pursed his lips. “I remember her now. Beautiful. Kind. And…” He tipped his head in my direction. “She’s the one you’ve been hunting.”

  Braga was very perceptive. I lifted an eyebrow before nodding.

  “Hunting?” Kalek narrowed his eyes. “Of course. I should have known by the way you insisted on going to that particular government facility.” He laughed and flanked my side, leaning against the window. “You’ve already made up your mind. You’re going to mate with her. What will your father say? Or are you just being a good little soldier?”

  “My father doesn’t have a choice. If we are assuming a position in the humans’ lives, then I will be an ambassador.” I said the words as if I believed them.

  “There’s more, isn’t there?” Braga asked quietly.

  The challenge would indeed try our friendship. “Yes.” I was having a tough time even looking at my friends, the males who’d fought by my side, laughed over drinks, and even shared a few alien females. While I trusted both with my life, this was entirely different. “I’m invoking the Act of Drakan.” Three or more men selected to mate with one female to ensure procreation.

  The news didn’t seem to soak in as I was certainly not considered a committed royal in any fashion. Even my father had almost forsaken his own son and only heir to the throne.

  Kalek’s smile faded, his head turning in my direction. “The Act of Drakan. Wait. I thought that was an ancient custom, not practiced by the new regime.”

  “In case you haven’t noticed, Shandar is the new regime.” Braga rose to his feet. “And who have you chosen?”

  The Act was indeed a primeval custom, dating back to the beginning of our people. We’d been through centuries of starvation, near annihilation, and even faced absolute extinction. Our women were left few in number and many of the males were sterile, the combination of which led to an abysmal birth rate. Through the eons of strife, the practice became disfavored, but in my mind, necessary. There had to be an heir to the throne and when the ceremony was completed, no one would question the birthright.

  “There are only two men I trust.” I left the words hanging.

  Kalek exhaled, the breath elongated and turned his attention to Braga.

  “You’re not kidding,” Braga muttered.

  “No. I’m not.” I knew what I was doing was the right choice, whether or not my father agreed.

  “The human. The three of us.” Kalek gulped the wine.

  “Yes. I am formally asking for you to accept.” Unfortunately, Fiona would have no choice in the matter and whether she considered this an honor at some point, only time would tell.

  Braga moved closer, performing a very human gesture. He extended his arm for a handshake. “I accept, my prince, my captain, and my friend. I am honored.”

  I was a hard man, a ruthless leader and had no issues partaking in dangerous missions or sexual acts so heinous that stories had become legendary. But this was touching. I shook his hand, grasping for an extended period of time.

  Kalek wasn’t so quick to answer, his brow furrowed as he stared out the window. I knew he was thinking of his sister, a beautiful young girl who’d been the light of his life. We’d learned only months before of her death, just after we’d left for this particular mission. He’d been devastated, his personality altered. His sister was one of the few fertile women, an almost prized possession in the ranks of the Federation. Kalek had insisted she’d been murdered, but there’d been no evidence of foul play.

  “What say you, Kalek?” I finally asked. I honestly didn’t want to be forced to choose another. There was no other man I could tolerate having in my life, let alone in the bed of a woman I cared about.

  Kalek’s eyes misted over. He sniffed before pulling me into an embrace. “I’m also honored and will accept.”

  I heard Braga’s exaggerated breath of relief and stated with conviction, “We begin after the event and feast.”

  “Feast? We haven’t had a feast since we left.” Kalek eased back, wiping his eyes.

  “Event? Do you mean the Pen?” Braga cringed. He was no gladiator, even though he could best any of the brutal warriors in the ring.

  I nodded several times. “You know our people are unhinged and questioning my authority. A floor show and feast will take their mind off the next phase.” Two men fighting until one dies. While I had participated during my youth in the games so highly coveted on Cenzan, I’d hesitated on allowing an event to occur. We needed every soldier. The Pen was used for the most horrific forms of punishment and since my command started, had only been utilized once. I’d sworn never again.

  “You will be the new hero of your people, Prince Drateq.” While Kalek’s words could be contrived as rude, I could see the twinkle in his eyes. I would buy loyalty with this barbaric decision alone and I need every one of our people to be in top form and by my side.

  “The next phase?” Braga asked.

  “The full invasion and selection of suitable female humans.”

  * * *

  There was no reason for me to hesitate outside her quarters, but I did. Fiona would learn about our culture in a manner that could destroy what little trust she might have acquired. I knocked before entering, a custom I’d learned since my arrival on Earth. The small room should have everything she needed to rest and regain her strength. While not luxurious by any standards, she was luckier than any other human who’d been on this ship, or any other for that matter.

  “What do you want, Captain?” she asked quietly, barely looking in my direction.

  I could tell she’d been crying. I was ill-equipped to handle such an emotion. Our females almost never expressed sadness of any kind. She sat on the small bench, staring out at the Earth, her arms wrapped around her knees, her feet bare. Even in the uniform she’d been given, she was one of the sexiest females I’d ever seen. “Braga is alive. It appears that you saved him.”

  “Appears?” Snapping her head in my direction, she wiped her eyes furiously as if embarrassed I’d noticed a weakness.

  “Yes. There doesn’t seem to be any ill effects of the poison. He’s still weak, but well.” I inched closer yet kept my distance. I did want to gain her trust, as well as her submission. I knew little about humans even though I’d interacted with several. The majority of time had been spent with aging males, leaders of their various establishments including government figures. The women I’d encountered had worked hard to blend in, even usurping their male counterpart’s authority. This female was decidedly… different.

  “He is? Then why did Kalek act that way, dragging me off like some common criminal? Why did he lead me to believe I’d murdered him?”