uninvited

chapter six

unbroken

"Do you believe it will work?"

"It is working. Humans have been arriving all morning."

"I know. Will it work?"

"With the information we have already received, Dezrick says there is an eighty-five percent success rate. It looks promising."

He stood tall; his hands folded at his back. His eyes on the many screens in front of him. One screen, a human child was being treated. Another showed a group of humans who just arrived. Most of their numbers were already sick and dying. One screen showed the broadcasting. The screen he watched held a human woman. She sat with her head in her hands. A terrible sound emitting from her. Her body rocking. She arrived with a mate past the point of saving.

"Yes. I believe we will succeed. These humans have no fight left in them. They have no other options."

Frick nodded towards the screens. "These humans have no fight left in them. That does not mean others will not."

"It matters not. They are no match for us."

His friend looked at him. "Are we not hoping they are a match for us?"

"So, we are. Dezrick, bring up the information on the human woman on-screen four."

"As you wish, future King."

Screen three instantly changed to medical records.

"She did not need the cure. She had a human ailment that was slowly killing her. With our treatments, she will be in complete remission within two days."

"What is she doing?" Frick asked.

"The term these humans use is grieving. She's mourning the passing of her mate. When someone is lost here it is met with much sadness and tears."

"Will she not join him?"

"What are tears?"

"She will not. They do not follow their mates into death, as we do. The definition of tears. A saline drop that comes from the eyes. This fluid appearing in or flowing from the eye as the result of emotion, especially grief."

"So, she is experiencing the symptoms of the loss of her mate but has no way to join him? How is this so?"

"The pain our people experience when separated from a mate is physical. Humans experience emotional pain. They live with this pain until it is time for their own passing."

"A cruel existence." Frick replied with no emotion on his face.

"True. Most humans learn to live with it. The only other choice would be the taking of their life. While a small percentage choose this option, it is greatly frowned upon."

Frick looked at his future king. "It might take us a lifetime to understand these humans. I admit I find them fascinating and find myself watching them every chance I get."

The computer went on. "I research them as well. She believes because of the loss of her husband that her heart is broken."

"Is it?"

"Not at all, future king. All my scans show that it is still intact and working normally. Emotions are something I cannot comprehend."

"Kellum, they are an unstable race. I do not like the unknown factor in all this."

"There would be much we do not know on any planet. We go forward with our plans."

"Yes, my future king."