“I understand. So I am to leave Biks on one of the Barges?” Preston asked.
“That is nearly correct. You will bring your human vessel, the one known as Obelisk.” The First Ruler used his spear to help him stand. The suction cups on his feet squished as he walked to the water’s edge. He dove into the pool with surprising grace and swam toward Preston.
Preston glanced at the knife in his boot. Now was his chance. But he couldn’t do it.
The First Ruler walked up a series of hidden underwater stairs, gripping his spear with white knuckles. He came to stand before the human in front of him. Preston almost choked on the fishy stench emanating from the Velibar leader. “I understand you, Preston Lewis.”
“I am here to serve.” Preston didn’t know what else to say.
The Velibar laughed, throwing his head back. His voice boomed in the cavernous chamber. “Remove the blade.”
“What are you talking about?” The First Ruler’s eyes were ivory and scarred. They stared at Preston, but he still didn’t think the leader could see.
“The boot. There’s a blade. I commend your strength, though you were wise not to use it. I would have killed you before you even thought to strike.” The spear clacked against the floor as he walked around Preston.
“I would not…”
“Do it now!”
Preston swallowed and bent over, poking his fingers into his boot. He tugged the blade free by the black handle. It was heavy in his grip. He could use it. Stab the Ruler. He’d be killed, but wouldn’t that be worth the sacrifice?
“I was told of your daughter.” The First Ruler offered his palm. “Her mate. Their child. I was informed you were close with him. Arlo.”
Preston’s blood turned to ice. How could this… thing… know about his family? Unless it was Garret who’d told him.
“Please don’t hurt them.” Preston couldn’t help but say it.
“Then you’ll do as I say. Give me the blade.” The First Ruler took it when Preston held it out. “Show me your chest.”
Preston’s hands shook as he unzipped his shirt. He held it open.
“You are mine, Lewis. You are Velibar. I mark you.” The blade sliced through a tuft of Preston’s gray chest hair, and he inhaled a quick breath as blood soaked his clothing. The First Ruler cut again, forming an X over Preston’s heart. “By my word, you are now the First Regal of Biks. With the title comes great responsibility.”
Preston couldn’t believe his ears. What was this crazy old Velibar doing to him? The wound wasn’t too bad, just a surface cut, but his body didn’t seem to know that. “I don’t understand.”
“You are bound to me, First Regal. You will do my bidding, or your family will die. Your planet can survive this, if you don’t mess it up. I promise you.” The First Ruler set a suctioned palm on Preston’s skin.
“The others. If I leave here with that title, they’ll kill me,” Preston whispered.
The Ruler’s tentacles drooped low over his chin, and they flapped while he shook his head. “No. Our Word tells of a First Regal not of our blood, but a Velibar nonetheless. He will usher in a new era.”
Preston thought about the numerous Velibar around their colonies, and how many would be considered different species because of their environmental variances. “I am Velibar,” Preston told him again.
“I know. We are in a trying time, Preston Lewis.” The First Ruler walked away, leaving a slick trail behind him. “Our people grow restless. We haven’t expanded in ages. Some consider me weak. The First Regal of Tarre seeks to take the throne, and I can’t let that happen.”
Preston followed him, unsure of what to do. “Won’t this action antagonize him?”
The Ruler stopped and stared at Preston with those dreadful rheumy eyes. “That’s the intended result. For too long, I’ve stayed within these chambers. I’ve allowed my people to venture off, rarely concerning themselves with the Word. That changes today!” He shouted the last of it, making Preston flinch.
“I am here to serve,” he said instinctively.
“I know that now. The Word is clear. You will shift our trajectory. This decision did not come easily, you see. I’ve been waiting for someone I thought worthy of the title. But time is no longer on my side, and if I want to bind my people, there is no other option.”
Preston comprehended what the Ruler was saying: that Preston might not be the best choice, but he was the only one at this moment. He’d have to take it, especially if it kept him and his people alive. “Do you believe the Word’s prophecy?”
The Ruler smiled, baring the last of his teeth. They were yellowed and chipped. “Maybe you are a good candidate. I admit that I’m pushing the theology, but the people will not see it like that. There is a reason I’ve met with you so much for the last two years.”
“What’s that?”
“The Ruler must test his First Regals. If they pass, they are given the outpost. If they fail…”
“They die,” Preston finished.
“Correct.” The Ruler still held the blade in one hand and the spear in the other. “Do my bidding.”
“I will,” he promised. Preston would have said anything at that moment.
“When I stated that your people can survive this, I meant it. Do as I say, and they will endure. From what I hear, the Corporations are growing stronger. Humans will be no more than shackled workers before another five decades transpire. Is that what your ancestors sought?” the Ruler asked.
Preston shook his head. “No. They wanted much more.”
“Then do as the prophecy tells. Bind the Velibar together, and the humans as well. I will die knowing I made a difference.” This was the first time Preston had heard the Ruler speak of his own death.
“I am here to serve,” Preston said again.
“I know. Get the guards. Tell them to assemble my armor.”
“Where are you going?”
“I am coming to Earth with you.”
FOURTEEN
Living inside
