Devotion (Chosen by the Karal #5)(50)

“What technology?”

“I have no wish to spell it out to you, Mr President.” He placed the stopper in the wine bottle. “I think you have had enough. Some liquor clouds the mind, but this particular bottle seems to have cleared your perspective, I believe.”

“You poisoned me?”

“Why would I do such a thing when our species have to work so closely for our common good?” Lytril smiled, cold, deadly. “Although there is always a chance that our Karalian refreshments are not suitable for humans. I will check when I get back to Karal.” Lytril lifted the bottle from the table. “It is a recipe we came across on Earth, though; we simply refined it for our own use. It’s more targeted. After all, I would hate to pollute your air even more than it already is.”

The President sat in his chair, face pale. “I can’t believe you tried to poison me.”

“Oh. No. I didn’t try to poison you.”

“But what you said. About the bottle. About using our technology against us.”

Lytril leaned across the table and spoke so that only the President could hear. “I said I didn’t try to poison you.” He stood up straight and said to the President. “I would eat the rest of your apple. I’ll send a supply down each time we take the lottery winners. One a day would be good for your health, Mr President. I do want you to live a long life. As long as that is beneficial to the Karal. Of course, if something should happen to my people, the secret of the apple will die too.”

Behind him, the President picked up the apple and ate it, while the Hier Ruler made his way out of the Presidential Palace. He was glad to finally put this behind him. Bringing the Jamesons to the planet might have been breaking the Karalians’ most sacred law. However, he felt justified.

Treva Jameson had perfected the poison the President had just consumed. The Hier Council had agreed that this could be classed as bringing Earth technology to the planet, which was allowed. As soon as the new Earth colony was ready, the family would move there, and all would return to normal.

He entered the cruiser, which they had landed on the President’s green lawn, the ramp closing behind him.

“It is done, Okil.” Lytril sat down beside the Karalian.

“Then we can go ahead with the missions?” Okil asked.

“Yes. Make sure the apples are delivered to the President. But they will only ever be brought here to Earth, do you understand?”

“You mean he will not be in charge of the new colony?” Okil asked, starting the engines and taking them up into the sky. From here, he was given clearance to leave the atmosphere.

“No. I think that the colony should be a fresh start for the people of Earth. I am going to put forward joint leaders from Karal and Earth.”

“Joint?” Okil sounded surprised.

“Yes. I have someone in mind.”

“Who?” Okil asked.

“You have always loved the people of Earth, Okil. I know of no one else for the job. I thought that female of yours might be suitable for your counterpart.”

“Me? And Tikki?”

“If you think she is suitable. Or choose another. I am not worried. As long as you swear your devotion and loyalty to Karal and to the Hier Council. The colony will be under our protection. It has one purpose: to breed females for our next generation, if they are needed.”

“I understand,” Okil said and then asked, “and if they are not?”

Lytril watched the moon appear in front of them, his eyes drawn to the beacons, longing for his home. “Then you will be free to do with the planet what you will. Just make sure to look after it.”

“I will, Hier Ruler. I will.”