by Lisa Lace
"I told you things were bad in the business. It's worse than I said. I didn't want you to worry. Do you remember that I told you about my partner? I just discovered he embezzled all our joint funds, and he's fled the country."
"What?" Jenn sounded shocked. "When did this happen?"
"A couple of days ago."
"Did you report him to the police?"
"Yes, of course, but what are they going to do? The problem here is that someone started a rumor. People think I can't make payroll this week. Jimmy is the union shop steward and must have sent those guys to make sure everyone gets paid."
"Oh my god, baby," said Jenn. "How can you be so calm about everything?"
"It's why I haven't been around much the past few days. I'm definitely not calm. I've taken the time to wrap my head around everything and think about all my options. I'm screwed, and that's all there is to it."
"What happens now?"
"I have to find a way to finish the project, or I won't get paid. Unfortunately, the company is carrying so much debt that I can't get any new loans. I've tried. It looks like I'll have to file for bankruptcy."
Jenn gulped. A bankruptcy would affect their joint credit history. She had worked hard to build up her credit score. It was the only way she managed to live her current lifestyle. So many of her friends, like Nayla, didn't have a hope of getting an apartment on their own with their financial history. "That's awful. Isn't there anything else you can do?"
"There might be one thing."
"What?" Jenn had a sinking feeling in her heart.
"Let me borrow your trust fund money. I promise I'll pay back every dime once the state pays for the project. Including interest. It will keep my business afloat. It's really our business, because we share everything, don't we, sweetheart?" He gave her a kiss on the top of her head.
"I suppose we do," said Jenn weakly.
"The next contract will put the company solidly in the black."
"I don't know if this is a good idea."
He peppered little kisses on her neck. "It would help a lot. I wouldn't lose the business, and I'd have time to focus on the things that count."
"What things?" Jenn asked as he nibbled her ear, spreading heat through her body.
"My beautiful wife, for one thing." Anton found her nipple and gently squeezed it, making Jenn gasp.
"Okay. I'll get you the money tomorrow."
Anton hummed in her ear. "Let me show you how grateful I am."
Chapter Five
The Anquera sun brightly illuminated Emperor Kanton's packed audience hall. Shards of sunlight sliced through the floor from a skylight. On either side of the vast space, nobles and functionaries stood wearing brightly colored robes made from exotic fabrics. At regular intervals, imperial guards stood at attention in glistening armor.
When Kai and Commodore Bretland entered, they saw the Emperor sitting at a table plated with silver. The table brightly reflected its mirror finish. The Emperor's son, Prince Warrel, sat on his right-hand side. A small throne sat empty on his left. It was traditionally the position of the Empress, but since Kai's mother didn't have royal blood, she wasn't allowed to occupy the throne. The chair would remain empty as long as she lived.
On high court days, when Kai was at home, he stood at the Emperor's side. As the only member of the royal family currently serving in the military, Kai's presence was a symbol of the Emperor's total commitment to the fight.
On this day, Kai stood before the Emperor as a supplicant, not as a symbol. The Emperor sat on his throne and gazed at Kai and Bretland impassively.
Kai took the opportunity to study the Emperor's face, looking for any signs of stress. Few knew it, but Kanton injured his heart in a battle long ago, and it was weaker than normal. In private, the Emperor credited Kai's mother with giving him the strength to continue.
"Commander Imwaden," said the Emperor, "Thank you for bringing the enemy to our door with their proposal. We will consider it in session. Kai, join us while the guards take the Earth warrior to his quarters."
Kai sighed with relief. The Emperor did not use the title of hated enemy when referring to Bretland. He called him a warrior. It was a good sign.
Bretland looked at Kai questioningly but the Anquesh warrior, bound by court protocols, could not glance at him. Instead, he gave a brief nod of his head hoping to convey sentences in a slight movement. It is normal, and you are in no danger, Kai thought.
Kai wasn't sure if the Emperor would approve of the human's proposal. Bretland's claim that an Anquesh ally sought to weaken the Empire was not well-received by the nobles. It resulted in many angry looks. They expected deception from their enemy, not assistance.
Kai could only imagine what was going through the human's mind, and didn't have time to think about it. The Emperor expected him in the Council Chamber. He stepped forward, following his stepfather and the retinue of high advisors. Kai was the last to enter the room and found all the chairs at the long rectangular table occupied. Kanton motioned for him to step forward.
"You've brought us a proposal. I'm interested in your thoughts on the matter."
"I think we should consider it," Kai said slowly.
Immediately, the nobles at the table rose their voices excitedly. The loudest shouting was an argument against Kai's position.
The Emperor held up his hand. "I agree with Commander Imwaden. The war is getting expensive. Is everyone prepared to increase their tribute in support of the war effort?"
Immediately the nobles fell silent.
"I thought so," said Emperor Kanton. "We've discussed this issue to death before. While we would all give our lives for the Empire, no one seems willing to give their pocketbooks. The only question I have is how we would implement the agreement."
"Do we have a lot of choices?" asked Warrel. "The traditional way is best."
Kai studied Warrel carefully. He seemed a little too eager to insert himself into the conversation.
"You propose a marriage bond between one of our nobles and an Earth woman?" The Emperor stroked his chin. "Your idea has merit, but who shall we send? My brothers are either already married or too young. Warrel, you already have a marriage contract with Prince Renquel's daughter, so you're out of the picture."
"That's correct, Father."
"We can't insult our good servant Prince Renquel by refusing to join our houses together."
"There's an available bachelor at this table who is the proper age," said Warrel. "What about Kai?"
The Emperor turned toward Kai. "That's an idea."
"I'm not sure I'm worthy of such an honor," said Kai. Internally, he was beginning to panic. A human bride? From Earth? Absolutely not.
"Nonsense," said Warrel. His eyes glittered with enthusiasm for his new cause. "You're one of our strongest warriors. It should be easy to assert yourself over any female Earth sends us."
Others around the table murmured their agreement, and Kai saw in the Emperor's eyes that he would have to volunteer for the job, whether he wanted it or not.
"I believe we've settled the issue," said the Emperor. "We will propose a peace treaty based on a marriage between Kai Imwaden, son of the Royal Princess Andeleth of Anquera and any suitable female from Earth. I dismiss everyone except Kai."
Warrel smirked as he left the room. He looked satisfied that he had given Kai a terrible burden. The door guard closed the exit, leaving Kai alone with the Emperor.
"Thank you."
Kai did not expect to hear those words coming from the Emperor's mouth.
"I can count on a certain amount of discretion from you, and I appreciate that you didn't make a scene in front of my advisors about your task."
"I serve at the will of the Emperor."
"That's another thing I appreciate about you, Kai. You have a clearly defined sense of duty."
"I have to," said Kai. "I am well aware that the privileges I enjoy are because of your marriage to my mother."
"That's not entirely accurate. First, you've e
arned every single one of your privileges, and never let anyone tell you differently. Being my stepson has not made your path easier; on the contrary, every move you make is harshly scrutinized. Clan Imwaden has a long history of service to the Empire. You have never failed us. I want you to know that your mother has honored me in this marriage. She isn't merely my sindare, although that would be sufficient. She provides a frank and honest channel of wisdom. You have the same qualities. Let me run something by you. You suspect we cannot trust the Earth people's words, but you accept that this will provide us with a temporary cessation of hostilities. It will let us catch our breath."
"It's like you read my mind. Those are my exact thoughts."
"Your instincts are right. Don't tell anyone this, but I am personally negotiating with the Similcue. They are taking longer than expected. The Similcue are insisting on things I will never grant, but I think I'm close to an agreement."
"Are you sure we can trust them?" Years ago, the Similcue declared war against Anquera. The fighting ended with both sides calling the outcome a draw. Currently, the Anquesh and the Similcue tolerated each other but avoided each other's paths.
"With the support of the Similcue, we can easily defeat Earth and put that war to rest."
Kai didn't like the sound of the Emperor's statement, especially after Bretland's warning that another race was playing the Anquesh and the humans against each other.
"And you trust the Similcue?" Kai repeated.
"Of course not. I trust that they find a treaty with us advantageous. They're asking for a fortune in exchange for their aid. Until I have the Similcue on board, all you have to do is play along. When the agreements are signed, we'll pull out of the arrangement with Earth. I promise you won't have to marry one of them. I have another match in mind for you, and I'm sure she will be more to your liking."
Kai was shocked at the two pieces of information. The first seemed dishonorable. He could never imagine entering into an agreement under bad faith. And why was Emperor Kanton arranging a marriage for him? Kai didn't expect the act of generosity. The Emperor was heavily involved in the marriages of his brothers and son, but Kai wasn't related to the Emperor by blood. It should have been a great honor, but at this moment, Kai didn't feel special. He merely felt uncomfortable.
His mother had reminded him many times that being Emperor was not an easy job. It wasn't his place to second-guess the chain of command. "I will do your bidding."
"Wonderful. I'm giving you a new title for the assignment. You will be the official Emissary for this mission. I'll send you the papers before you leave. From this point forward, you are in charge. We'll give you diplomats for assistance and draft the agreement with Earth before you leave, with the usual provisions."
"As you wish, my lord." Kai wondered how he was going to explain to Bretland that the usual provisions included leaving Earth soldiers on Anquera as insurance.
"Thank you for your service. With your help, we'll conquer this damnable species."
Chapter Six
By the time Jenn reached her apartment, her head throbbed. Every muscle in her shoulders and neck was knotted rock-hard with tension. The first thing Jenn did after she locked her door was reach for the wine. The second was turn on the TV. She had to if she wanted to hear a human voice in the apartment. Anton was barely around these days. He hadn't even come home last night.
She had never remembered feeling this lonely. Today she needed him.
Anton, she thought. Where are you?
And in financial news, despite last week's reports of the advancing Anquesh fleet bringing their unexpected peace proposal, stock markets all over the globe continue to plunge. World leaders meet today in Oslo to discuss ways to shore up the global economy.
That was the last thing she needed to hear. She knew all about economic problems, just like all of her coworkers.
In a related story, the United Earth Alliance has signed a contract with the industry-leading interstellar matchmaking company TerraMates. TerraMates will lead the selection process for Emissary Kai Imwaden's prospective bride.
Jenn rolled her eyes and turned off the television. An Earth woman had to marry an alien? Ridiculous. She had watched a show which explained the marriage was an ancient Anquesh tradition, but Jenn thought aliens would have advanced far beyond such primitive beliefs.
Her phone rang. It was Nayla. Jenn felt like she had never been so happy to hear from her. Since her marriage to Anton, the two women rarely spoke.
"Hi, Nayla. I haven't heard from you for a long time."
Nayla ran her hands through her hair. "I'm sorry about that. You're going to think I'm a jerk for calling you like this, but I'm in trouble. Can I borrow some money? Things are getting bad now, and I lost my job."
"I'm sorry to hear that, but I lost my job too."
"You did?"
"Every dollar is going directly to the war effort, and they cut almost all the support services."
"I'm sorry."
"All I can do now is spot you fifty dollars."
"That would be great. I feel like such a bad friend. Only you would apologize for not being able to lend me money."
"Don't even think it. I understand. You're my sister, right? Whatever I have is yours. Unfortunately, it's not much."
"You're making me feel like a bitch."
"Come over. I'll make us some dinner."
Nayla paused. "Is Anton there?"
"He's out of town on business." Her statement was a lie, but she didn't expect Anton to come home soon, and she wanted to see Nayla.
"I'm not going to turn down a free meal. I'll be there in twenty minutes."
"Great!"
In the middle of Jenn's dinner preparations, the doorbell rang.
That was a quick twenty minutes. Jenn turned down the stove before she went to the door. But when she looked through the peephole, she didn't see Nayla. A strange woman stood in front of her door.
Jenn turned away. She wasn't in the mood for solicitors or Jehovah's witnesses. She turned back when the pounding started.
"Open up, Anton! You bastard!"
What was it now? thought Jenn in exasperation and anger. She unbolted the door and yanked it open so swiftly that the woman nearly fell inside the apartment.
"If you're with Jimmy, he already sent some guys. We know. We owe him money."
"I'm looking for Anton."
"Take a number," replied Jenn caustically.
The woman looked stylish in a gaudy sort of way. She wore her black hair in a short bob and slicked it back with gel. Her eyebrows were over-plucked, and her red lipstick was too garish for Jenn's tastes.
"When you see him, tell Anton his wife is looking for him."
"I know! I've been looking for him the past couple of days."
The woman looked down her pointed nose at Jenn, then stared at Jenn's wedding ring.
"Sister, unless you married him ten years ago, I'm his wife. You're just another woman on a long list of people swindled by Anton."
Kai had seen death and destruction all over the universe, but that didn't prepare him for what he found on Earth. The humans created different types of technology that had nothing to do with combat. Each place he visited had something new that amazed him. One of the unique devices was a gift from the Earth government - an interpersonal communication device. Kai immediately assumed it was something from Earth's counter-intelligence division to spy on the Anquesh and was reluctant to use it.
He knew his handlers were only showing him the best Earth had to offer. Among all the outward appearances of wealth, there was tremendous poverty hidden beneath the surface. The Earth government didn't want the Anquesh to know the actual economic situation, but the Anquesh spies masquerading as diplomatic aides were adept at uncovering information.
What they found was appalling.
Many humans had no homes, no jobs, and lived on the street even though there was sufficient housing for all. Food was scarce. In some areas, there was rioting
because people did not have enough to eat. Despite the plight of their citizens, nations still spent money to support the military. Kai knew his stepfather would never let conditions like this continue, which was why he was willing to entertain the notion of a treaty with Earth.
The biggest problem was that there were no noble houses to search for a suitable mate. The few royal lines which existed on the planet had no interested in joining with an alien. To fulfill Kai's request for appropriate mate selections, the United Earth Alliance contracted with a company called TerraMates, outsourcing the application process.
Dating was a concept foreign to Kai. In his homeland marriages were arranged. The groom and bride met in structured settings to learn about one another. Apparently the Earth women expected to be courted, taken to meals and other amusements. These activities were often unchaperoned. Kai thought it was ridiculous. He took what he wanted. Kai's diplomatic aides tried to explain that it was a matter of culture and that different societies have different customs. Humans did not have sindares.
Kai thought it sounded like a pile of shit.
Earth people, despite their free distribution of technology, were a peculiar and savage lot. He was now pleased with his uncle's plan, even if did carry the stench of dishonor. He wouldn't want one of these wretched creatures in his bed for a single night, let alone a lifetime.
Today he started touring the different facilities to evaluate the potential mates. Kai was not looking forward to it.
Jenn woke with a jolt. Her sheets were wet with sweat, and the lights were still out in the dorm. The recurring dream had come again. It was a replay of the terrible night when she confronted Anton. In their acid-fueled argument, more of Anton's secrets came spilling out into the open. Anton had re-signed her lease on the apartment, and he drained every credit out of her trust fund. In both instances, he had forged Jenn's signature. It was a good thing she had Nayla there for moral support. Otherwise, she was so angry she thought she might have killed the dirty rat.
Nayla had dragged Jenn away and helped set her up at Nayla's grandmother's apartment. It quickly became apparent that Nayla had enough problems without adding another mouth to feed. In desperation, she signed up for the TerraMates Anquera program. As part of the new service, they fed and housed applicants while waiting for the selection process to end. Jenn was sure the aliens wouldn't select her. Many women had applied, but most didn't even make it through the TerraMates screening.