The spaces within were confining, and I had no doubt that they had been chosen deliberately. It restricted us to this form. Not that we were not lethal like this—just a little less so.
Another human awaited us within, and he led us deep into the building, to an even smaller room, and a different man.
Drakes were usually excellent at judging character—many living things emitted an aura that we could sense. I therefore knew, immediately, that the intensity and honesty radiating from this person meant he was someone to respect.
Whether he was the leader of the local rebellion cell, or hisrepresentative—it did not matter. What mattered was that we were here, and so was he.
When all three of us stopped just inside the door, he did not waste time with pleasantries. “Is it true?” he asked.
“Yes,” I said. “The serum has finally been perfected. It has already been shipped to the distribution centers. The females that respond genetically will be capable of producing Drake offspring.”
I saw the assertion connect. It was very bad news for his species, and he knew it. The ineffective serum was the only reason the humans still had any freedom at all.
His expression was grim. “What percentage are we looking at?”
“So far, it is the same as before—only 10 percent of injected human females experience a genetic response. Although there is a substantial difference in the end result.” I told him. “But now that they have perfected the serum, the Drolgok scientists are tasked with improving that percentage.”
He grimaced. “So they’re ramping up the program?”
Ramping up? I thought for a moment, and said, “The Drolgoks are working on increasing the genetic anomaly that makes the females compatible. There are already clans that are confiscating the gang harems.”
His mouth twisted. It disgusted me that most Drake clans were willing to exploit and potentially destroy the human species to save their own. The Raptors had always taken a more diplomatic approach, and it had made us unpopular among many. Our ruling triad’s mating of a human female had only strengthened their resolve.
We believed there was another way.
“What are you proposing?” the man asked.
“We can reach a compromise. If offered proper incentive, there are sure to be human females that would volunteer to help us. It would mean a slower recovery for my people, but it would ensure that both our species have a future.”
The man stared at me. “Rumor is, there isn’t much left of Raptor Clan.”
“We are working to bring more clans around to our way of thinking,” I said.
He grimaced. “Considering what Fucq does to anyone who even curses his name, that sounds like a proper pipe dream.”
Human English was an odd language, filled with slang. I absorbed most once I heard it. The first part did not surprise me, but I had no idea what pipes or dreams had to do with our discussion. I gleaned that he thought it was impossible. “Even if we get other clans onside, the progression from that point will not be smooth. There are many clans that will not agree to work with the humans, instead of using them.” I met his gaze. “There might be war.”
He did not fully understand just what that comment meant. The Drakes had not openly fought among themselves for many generations. The female issue, though, was pushing us toward an uncertain future in more ways than one.
His brows dropped lower. “What do you need from us then? We wouldn’t be much help in a Drake conflict.”
“I disagree. We will not stand a chance of making change unless the humans also rise up against the oppressive clans. When the time comes, you must stand ready to assist.”
For a moment, nothing. Finally, he said, “I’ll take this proposal to those that make the decisions. I can’t guarantee they will comply.”
It was as much as I expected at this stage. “Very okay,” I said. “I will return in a month for your answer.”
“Works for me,” he agreed, and gestured to our guide.
The human took us back through the building and left us in the alley.
“So much for that,” Rhodes stated as the door closed behind us.
“You cannot expect them to just commit,” Xandros replied in our own language. “There is a lot at stake.”
“If they do not join us, their species will not survive,” Rhodes growled. “Tell me I am wrong.”
“You are not wrong,” I confirmed. “But Tazier Clan has not yet purged the harems here, nor rounded up all the females before theyhit registration age. Once that commences—and it will—the situation will take on new depth for the local rebels. I am confident they will concur.”
