“It is common that those who believe deeply in something, say like a prophecy, knowingly or not, take steps to ensure the outcome matches the expectation.”
“Except the Oracle doesn’t provide us prophecies but things actually happening or about to happen.”
“The Oracle obviously didn’t see the virus that took out the women of your world.”
His lips turned down. “Because the Oracle is not all knowing. She warned us of a coming calamity; however, the ancestors were blocked from seeing what shape it would take.”
“And now your Oracle is reduced to matchmaking.”
“Yes, however, like I said, our current method is time-consuming, and our population is aging. She was the one to give me and my partner a mission to create a more direct approach that will facilitate the discovery of suitable mates.”
“And if we say no?”
He frowned. “Why would you refuse?”
“Because American citizens are not chattel to be traded to aliens.” A flat and firm reply.
“Hardly chattel. Mates are cherished.”
“According to you. From my perspective, you’ve kidnapped these women, not giving them a real choice?—”
“None are ever taken by force!” he huffed.
“Again, so you want us to believe, but we have no way of verifying that. No way of contacting them.”
“And if you could speak to the mates who’d relocated?”
“Then we might consider your request.”
Might? Not a promising reply. “Do you speak for all the governments on Earth?” His research had shown a large number of leaders, each with their own areas of governance.
“I am speaking on behalf of the United States of America, the most powerful nation on Earth, who also happens to be allied with many countries.”
“We mean your planet no harm. On the contrary, we look forward to forging a more open relationship.”
“I don’t know if I can believe you because seems to me you should have approached us to make your presence known and explain your dilemma before you began abducting our citizens.”
“They went willingly,” he reiterated. “We did no harm.”
“Says you. We have no proof.”
“If you require affirmation, then we could acquire statements from those currently living on our planet.”
“And who’s to say those weren’t coerced?” the woman argued.
This conversation really was not going well. Jaspar most likely would have been better suited to convince with his calmer demeanor. “What will it take for us to treaty?”
“I don’t know, but honesty and cooperation would be a start.”
“A warrior doesn’t lie.” The very idea repugned.
“Guess we’ll see about that.”
“When you say cooperation, what do you require?”
“Answering our questions for starters.”
“Which I’ve been doing,” he pointed out.
