“Any place would be fine,” Tark said. “As long as there’s room for my mate and our child when it arrives. There are vaccines my people use, serums that prolong life and some that are essential for those with cybernetics. We need access to those things.”
“The council has assured me that they will do whatever is necessary to make you and your mate safe, comfortable, and happy.” Ryx shrugged a shoulder. “Obtaining the formulas and creating the serums shouldn’t be an issue as long as your people are willing to share those secrets.”
“I won’t frighten your women and children?” Tark asked softly. “Most people scream when they see me, or run in fear. Suki is the only female to ever come to me willingly.”
“You and your family will be welcomed,” Malin said. “No one will fear you. Or at least they won’t once they meet you and see that you mean them no harm. Some people fear that which is different, until they realize that inside we’re mostly the same.”
Tark nodded, feeling a little relieved.
“Then it’s settled,” Prince Lyros said. “Tark and Suki will return with the Zelthranites. The females here on Tourmalane who haven’t bonded will be given the option of returning to Earth or finding a mate among the cyborgs. I’d say this meeting is adjourned.”
Prince Drexyl snorted. “You just want to get back to Roux.”
Prince Lyros grinned. “Yes, I do. And don’t act like you aren’t just as anxious to return to Lucie.”
Malin looked away, but not before Tark saw the sadness enter his eyes. He’d had that once. The male had had a mate and lost her. Tark wouldn’t be able to keep going without his Suki. He didn’t know how the male managed, but it proved he was a strong warrior. Tark hoped that one day the male would find another mate and find peace. It hardly seemed fair the male had been given someone to love and accept him, only for her to be taken away.
“Once the females are sorted,” Ryx said, “we’ll be leaving for Zelthrane-3. There’s a room you may share on board thePryxus. Malin has offered to pair up with another crewmember so you may have his quarters. The females will be housed in another room, if any choose to return to Earth.”
Tark eased Suki off his lap and stood.
I’ll miss you, brother.He looked at Norkov and the cyborg gave him a sad smile.
If they get the portal up and running, perhaps I can come visit. I’m not sure the female I like wants anything to do with me, or that I’m suited for her. I want her to be happy, even if it’s with another male. One of the females mentioned something about me being in the friend-zone, whatever that is. I may need help finding a mate.
Tark nodded.
“You did that mind-talking thing again, didn’t you?” Suki asked.
“Sorry, mate.”
“Will you be lonely on Zelthrane-3 since you won’t be able to communicate like that with anyone there?” she asked.
Tark hesitated. He hadn’t thought about that aspect of leaving everything behind, but it was true. He enjoyed being able to reach out and hear his fellow cyborgs. Not having that option would almost be like having a limb severed.
“Then perhaps two of you should come to Zelthrane-3 and assist with the mating negotiations so you won’t be the only cyborg on our world,” Malin said. “Since Norkov is unmated, perhaps he’ll find his mate while he’s there. We have new human females arriving all the time.”
Norkov smiled broadly and Tark knew his friend would not only consider it, but already seemed excited about the idea. It would be nice to have another cyborg present. While he might share genetic markers with the Zelthranites, they weren’t truly family. Not like Norkov. He’d known the other cyborg since before the Cy-Con program was started. Having Norkov by his side would definitely ease the transition of living on another world.
“I accept,” Norkov said.
Tark was glad that Norkov would be joining him. Not only so he’d have a familiar face, but things hadn’t gone according to plan for his fellow cyborg. Norkov had joined many missions to attempt to save other human females and had hoped to gain a mate. Instead, most of the females had been dead when they arrived during his first mission, and the others were too badly damaged to ever be mated to someone. They’d been taken to a planet that was predominantly female and left in care of the people there. The female that Norkov seemed interested in out of those currently on Tourmalane didn’t seem to return his favor.
“Suki, my mate and Lucie have both gathered some clothes for you. Whatever was placed in your room here at the palace, you may keep and take with you. I’m sure there will be more clothing options when you reach Zelthrane-3, but this way you won’t be starting over completely,” Prince Lyros said.
“Thank you,” his mate said.
“I’m afraid we don’t have anything in your size,” the prince said with a smile in Tark’s direction.
“I packed a small bag. It will be sufficient for now,” Tark said. “There is also clothing on board theMystic7for human females. We came prepared, not knowing if the females we rescued would have clothing.”
“I’ll gather the human females,” Prince Drexyl said. “My mate will discuss their options with them and once we have them divided into groups, you’re free to leave.”
Tark led Suki out of the room and paused, waiting for Norkov.Ready for a new adventure?
Norkov grinned.Always.
I hope they treat my Suki well on Zelthrane-3; otherwise, I’m not sure I will be able to contain my temper. That won’t do much for relations between the humans and our people.
