Regrettable but necessary.

My legs kicked as I fought against the swirl of currents. The oxygen converter counted down and beeped as my heart rate rose. Koale, my First Father was gone as was his Dara. I lost two companions. Subjects that would never dare rise against us now tasted fear as a hungry renkin full of teeth would scent blood in the waters.

All this danger that surrounds us as water and my Oma wants me to seek a mate. Madness.

I slapped my hand together even if there wasn’t anyone to see the gesture. Now is not the time.

The warm current left and turned cool amid the time I pondered. I spent the remaining time in a plea to the All Father for guidance, even if I didn’t really believe. As expected, nothing came.

I put this off for far too long. It’s time for our discussion.

***

The Ryba wisely didn’t attack. Several other rulers were more... permanent in their methods. I preferred to start low and go high if needed. I could execute an enemy after attempting peace. The reverse was impossible.

Yet, we are in changing times. Perhaps the old ways aren’t best anymore.

I approached the white, sand beach as salt water dripped over my bare chest and arms. Like my First Father, I had his wide body and dark hair. Gerlari, my First Guard says I have my Oma’s kind smile and the same deep purple eyes.

The water soaked kilt around my waist hung heavily against my flexed thighs. I smiled at the grinning face of my Oma standing on the beach. Age was both kind and unkind to him. His purple eyes weren’t as faded as they could have been. His hair was as white as the ice near the poles of our planet. The flecks along his shoulders and chest kept their dark shade. Fading was common with older Femeni – especially the sick. I took his darker color as a hopeful sign.

The Earthlings didn’t have the same chest flecks, but they could breed with us – after modifications. I suppose we could have modified them further, but it was inside that mattered.

Sometimes existing was enough. My gaze lingered on my Oma and I smiled. Yes. Existence is treasured.

He survived this new dark age while many of his fellow Femeni did not. Still decent looking for advanced middle age, but far too old to add to the repopulation efforts.

Yet beyond precious. His slightly purple force field flickered in the island sun.

There was a smile on his face. Perhaps genuine but I could sense the sadness. He wanted freedom and I couldn’t give it. I wasn’t cruel to Femenis like some. Even before the plague, I understood how necessary they were. Many of my fellow Soturi didn’t agree. They learned the lesson after the plagues, but it was too late. If I could be certain, he’d not die, I’ll let the force field go.

Maybe one day he’ll feel the sand under his foot and dive into the ocean as he did when I was a child.