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Chapter Eleven

MEK

Another darkness, and I am once again too restless to sleep.

So , I find myself wandering around the planting fields, trying to figure out what I can do to make this new job easier for Lacie .

The little human is so frustrating as she seems determined to engage in everything that is inappropriate for a female.

Just as I wonder why I care, a deep voice pulls me out of my thoughts.

“ Son , why you are out and about early this rising?” My father’s large frame comes strolling out of the tree line, his eyes missing nothing as he gazes around at all that has been accomplished here so far.

“ Good rising, Father . I could blame it on the constant daylight, but the truth of the matter is there are simply too many things that need to be done, and I cannot focus, making rest almost impossible.”

“ MeK , the list seems to be constantly growing, that is for sure. I am hoping that the maintenance bots coming in the next few risings will help move things along a little quicker and take some of the physical work off some. What brings you out to the fields?”

“ It was brought to my attention that they are manually carrying the water to each plant. I was hoping there was a water source nearby I could tap into, but so far, I have not found a simple solution for this issue as I did for the sustenance area.”

“ My Kira and Carla , both have told me multiple times how much they appreciate the water distribution module you put in for them. Now that you have met more of the humans, what do you think of them?”

I look over at Father’s massive form as he walks casually with his hands behind his back beside me. “ I truly have little opinion on the matter. You asked me to do a job, and I am here to do it to the best of my ability.”

“ I am simply curious about your opinion, son. Their females are not what you are accustomed to, and I was shocked to see that you had struck up such a quick friendship with little Lacie .”

“ I am not her friend, nor do I wish to be. That specific female consistently puts herself in danger. I cannot count the number of times I have had to save her from one disaster or another. Not only is she always in danger’s path, but she refuses to take care of herself.

Take this position right here, the fields are no place for such fragile females.

It was especially frustrating after I had just fixed the water solution in the sustenance area so that she did not have to pack the water straight from its source.

Earlier this very rising, Lacie herself informed me that she was not resting, and I blame that on the extreme work she is having to perform.

Females are not made for such manual labor, Father . ”

“ For someone who does not matter, you seem very concerned for her welfare. You do realize that she is doing no more or less than all the other females here, including my own mate?”

“ That is why I am here, is it not? I will find a way to lessen the burden for all before I leave this planet. It would help to speed things along if I had fewer interruptions. That female especially is always underfoot.”

“ MeK , I know your mother is a prominent part of your life, and you value the rules of your culture. However , you are not bound by that way of thinking nor that world unless that is the choice you make. Your position and the career you have built for yourself can be continued no matter where you reside in this solar system.”

“ Father , please stop walking around the subject you want to confront me with. I do not take hints well.” He sighs wearily before stopping to look me right in the eye.

“ MeK , if you find yourself falling for one of the human females, it does not make you weak, nor does it mean you are letting your mother down. The choices she has made for her life do not have to be your own. I know she has a much stronger influence on you than I ever have. Do not get me wrong, I am glad that she has always been right beside you, encouraging you to be all that you can and more. The Lord of Light knows you have exceeded all expectations, but you have free will, MeK , and love is not based on nor depends on the world or race from which you come.”

Father’s words anger me. “ I have a responsibility to my home world, no differently than you do this entire sector, Father . To make things very clear, I will take a companion when the time comes, and I will not fall in this … ‘ LOVE ’ that you speak of. You bring up my mother’s choices, but what of your own?

I will not descend into the trap that you and several of my brothers have all gotten caught in.

Yes , I will admit their small size and unique beauty, not to mention all that sassiness, can be quite appealing, but I know my duties and will perform them as I was raised to do.

I have no room or tolerance for emotions with my ever-increasing activities. ”

Father actually smiles at me, then pats me on the shoulder before walking off.

Just as he is getting ready to enter the woods, he stops to look up before glancing back at me.

“ You know Son , the largest ones usually fall the hardest. I have complete faith the Lord of Light will guide your path, that is, if you are willing to see what has been placed before you.”

Why do I suddenly feel like he sees something I do not? For a moment, I let myself imagine what my life could be if I allowed myself to want … Angry at the confusion that swamps my thoughts, I stomp off toward the dwelling pod I started last rising. Let the humans haul their own fracking water.