His eyebrows pinched together, and I wondered if I should explain.

Might as well. I have to take a chance sooner or later. Otherwise… I’m stuck like this.

I gave a quick run-down of what happened and concentrated on the money I needed. Once finished, I spoke. “And you?”

“Nothing so base as currency. My Oma – my First Father’s Omega as you would call him, believes I need an heir.”

I swallowed hard. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what that meant. I forced the words out. “Do you want one?”

“Eventually, as do most Volardi, but not now. Any time except now. There are others who can repopulate our species. I planned on waiting several of your decades. There should be sufficient Femeni… uh, Omegas at that point. The Ryba problem would be dealt with by then.”

“Then wait. I’m fine with it.”

“Not that simple Human. I would lose… status with the Emperor. Especially if I waited and nothing happened.”

“The Emperor would punish you? Like death?” He wasn’t someone I wanted as a mate, but I didn’t want him to die.

“Nothing so overt.” He breathed in deep and quick before he continued. “Allow me to explain something about us Volardi. We believe in a great many things. Practicality, serendipity, and ‘soft power’. Too many previous empires – including former Volardi – were crushed by their own foot.”

I shook my head to show I didn’t follow.

He sighed. “An expression. I see even the implant doesn’t translate everything. It means if you attempt to oppress people, they will rise from under your foot and cause one to trip.” He held out his hand. “It’s best to entice people to want you around.”

“It is only speculation,” he said. “Those that displease the Emperor find life isn’t as easy. Transports take longer, communications are lost, and errors in acquisitions increase. Nothing provable and certainly nothing anyone would ask the Emperor about.”

I thought about Earth and everything that’s happened since they arrived. My Pa said he wasn’t sure if they invaded and it was a good question. We had Smart-Boxes to provide for most of our needs. Clean energy, and if you were like me… you got your family farm paid off and a parent with advanced medical care.

“I’m required to be here, as are you Human.”

“For how long?”

He sighed. “Did they not explain anything to you? We are to remain here for roughly one of your months. Meanwhile, my island kingdom is without its ruler. My guard sits and watches for attacks. Enemies circle above and below the waves waiting for an opportunity. One you’ve given them.” He ran his hand through his dark hair. “It is... an inconvenient time to take a mate.”

“Well, it’s ‘inconvenient’ for me to be taken.’”

He held out his hands and frowned. “Then we are stuck here for over a month.”

Normally I would have kept my plans quiet, and I still did to a certain extent. “Is there anything I can do?”