“I have to ask, why bother using a dating service at all? You obviously have the technology to simply kidnap anyone you want.” The beaming had been quick and painless—if she ignored the vomiting.
“In the past, our warriors have appeared to those selected by the Oracle to forge mating bonds. However, that process has proven to be fraught with complications.”
“Such as?”
“Not all females respond well to the sudden appearance of my kind.” His wry reply went with his crooked lips.
“No shit,” she muttered. Look at how she’d reacted.
“It’s thought that if the females are given the choice to see if there is a suitable Xamian mate that the bonding will be more successful.”
“AKA, find women who wouldn’t mind blue dick.”
“Exactly, and who would be willing to bear progeny.”
The last part widened her eyes. “So, not just sex. You want women ready and willing to start a family. That’s going to be a touch more difficult.”
“Why wouldn’t they be ready or willing?” He sounded genuinely puzzled.
“Because not all modern women want to give up their career and freedom to be a baby-making machine.”
“But it is a female’s duty to bear young and care for them.”
“Wow, I can see why you might be having problems. So much misogyny in that one sentence.”
“I see our information packet on Earth did not exaggerate about how far from the true path your kind have strayed.”
Her gaze narrowed. “Meaning what?”
“The natural order has females nurturing, while males gather and protect. It is how a proper civilization works.”
She blinked. “You’re kidding, right?”
“Why would I jest about something true?”
“Ever stop to think maybe humans are the enlightened ones?”
“No.”
“Guess that attitude explains why your men are single, then. I can’t blame the women of your world for not wanting to get married if they all have such chauvinistic views.”
He stiffened. “Our females very much do want to bond. The issue is, there are not enough of them due to a virus that killed over ninety percent of our females.”
“Oh.” Not much she could say about that, so she switched the subject. “Are you married?”
“I have chosen to not bond, as I have no interest in forming a family unit.”
“Looks like we have that in common,” she muttered.
“You chose to not procreate?” Once more, his tone indicated surprise.
“More or less. I’ve never been interested in having children. Maybe I’d have changed my mind if I’d met the right guy…” Her nose wrinkled. “Actually, that’s doubtful. I like my life. I have a great career. Can do what I want, when I want.”
“Like what?”
The question stymied her, and it took a second before she blurted out, “I can travel on a whim.” She didn’t mention that when she did, it usually involved business. Actually, make that it always had something to do with the company. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d taken a vacation just for pleasure.
“You cannot travel with children?”
