A bargain...
Dergan’s jaw snapped shut with such force, Kels heard his teeth clack
together. For his part, the Dramok stared at Maryam. She stared back, her
expression set with determination.
With effort, Kels dragged his gaze from her to Ihas. “It’s not – is this
possible?”
“Theoretically, yes. I’m already in communication with a fertility specialist
on Kalquor, who will assist me with the process.”
“Fetal implantation from a Kalquorian to an Earther has never been
attempted.”
“Correct. And we’ve only just begun to sort out the biological
differences.”
Pana interrupted, stepping close to grip Kels’s arm. “We don’t have time
to second-guess this. It’s now or never, my Dramok.”
Ihas added, “With the specialist’s guidance, I’ve started the process of
preparing Matara Maryam’s body for pregnancy and am monitoring the progress. So
far, it looks good for the procedure…the only problem is whether her body will do
what’s required before the fetus fails.”
A muscle in Maryam’s jaw twitched, but her expression remained resolved.
Kels took her in; her frame was far shorter than Briel’s, but sturdy for its
size. Sturdy enough?
“That’s the only problem?” he pressed, unconvinced.
Ihas barked a humorless laugh. “To start with, it’s the most important. Along
with the fact I’m not well versed in female biology. The fertility specialist
will advise me via live-vid if your child survives long enough for the
transfer.”
“How likely is this to work?”
“I’ll be honest, Dramok. The odds of success are not good.”
“I’m willing to try.” Maryam’s voice didn’t tremble. No matter what,
she was firm in taking on the challenge.
Kels glanced from her to Ihas, then Pana. His Imdiko nodded. “When the
doctor suggested it, she didn’t hesitate. Matara Maryam is willing to do this
for Briel.”
“On one condition.” Maryam’s eyes narrowed.
Kels could well imagine her stipulation. “You wish to be freed once the
child is born. Or if the procedure fails.”
Maryam’s gaze shifted from his for a mere instant; the first real waver
in her resolve. It disappeared quickly. “Those are my terms. No release, no
transfer.”
You’d like me to believe that. However, the momentary break he’d
discerned told Kels Maryam bluffed. Though Briel’s clan had kidnapped her, she
continued to care for their Matara. Kels knew Maryam would go through with the
procedure even if he refused to let her go.
Releasing late 2019
Looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteTracy, it is late 2019. Only 12 months we are in number 10. (Squinting eyes) give us the book and we won't pester you,..... for a while.
ReplyDelete