were left with an extreme allergy to ultra-violet light. This genetic mutation has been passed down ever sense so they have no choice but to avoid direct sunlight.”
“It’s also a significant vulnerability,” Natalie added, “so they use camouflage and avoidance as their primary defense strategies. They will fight if they are threatened, but they prefer to avoid armed conflicts.”
Nikki nodded but her curious mind digressed to the original topic. The Outcasts were rogue mercenaries. How did their unintentional invasion end in an alliance not a war? “How far into the colonization process did the Outcasts get before they found out about the Sarronti?”
“They converted twelve of their ships into the primary housing unit,” Kara told her. “That made it almost impossible for them to evacuate so they were highly motivated to strike a deal with the Sarronti.”
“But why would the Sarronti put up with it?”
“Timing,” Natalie said. “The rebellion had just begun and they needed the support of other warriors. It was a good deal for both sides.”
“Anyway.” Kara guided the conversation back to the beginning. “You asked how we ended up with Sarronti mates. All the human females on this planet were brought here as mates for the Outcasts. We were matched with genetically compatible males, but not all of the matches worked out.”
“Wait a minute. Were you two part of the mass disappearance that took place about five or six months ago? It was all over the news.”
“That would be us,” Kara agreed. “But it has been almost seven months.”
Nikki nodded. Time hadn’t stood still while she was on Cretz. Life in every dimension had gone on without her.
“You know.” Natalie’s expression turned thoughtful and her dark gaze settled on Nikki’s face. “If you claim to have been kidnapped by the Outcasts, no one will worry about where you’ve been or what happened to you while you were gone. A bunch of us decided to return to Earth now that it’s an option, so the story is widespread.”
“And not all of them returned at the same time,” Kara agreed. “I know of two who headed back last week. You and your friends would be three among many.”
“As long as they are fully recovered, it would solve a lot of problems,” Nikki concluded. “Unfortunately, that’s a massive condition.”
“Mirra is good, and Arpovae is even better,” Kara stressed. “They will both be fine. Arpovae will work at it until they are.”
She knew Mirra was Jaron’s mother, but wasn’t sure about the other name. “Arpovae is Jaron’s...aunt?”
Natalie nodded. “She is Mirra’s older sister. Malik’s and Salvo’s mom.”
“Of course. I almost forgot they are cousins.”
“Arpovae is Prime Healer. That means she runs the largest hospital on Sarronti Prime. People come from all over the planet for the chance of being treated by her or someone she trained.” The pride in Kara’s tone was obvious. She clearly adored her mother-in-law.
“So, you two are sisters-in-law?” Nikki continued to fit the familial pieces together.
“We are, but the Sarronti don’t make that distinction. To them we are simply sisters, and Arpovae is our mother.”
“I kind of like it that way,” Natalie added. “In-laws always had a negative connotation for me and I don’t feel that way toward any of my new relatives.” She looked at Kara and smiled. “Right, sis?”
“Absolutely.”
Their closeness made Nikki even more homesick. She missed her family and the friends she’d developed since she’d been on her own. “Did you two know each other before? How did you end up married to brothers?”
“We didn’t know each other before we were abducted by aliens,” Natalie put facetious emphasis on the phrase. “But we were cabin mates so we were close by the time we gave up on finding mates among the Outcasts.”
“Malik and I got together first,” Kara said, “which threw Natalie and Salvo together. Chemistry kicked in and the rest is history.”
They both seemed happy, but the relationships were still really new. “You guys have been here less than a year. Aren’t you worried that you rushed into all of this?”
“Not at all,” Kara insisted.
“Being mated with a Sarronti is completely different than having a relationship with a human,” Natalie told her. “First of all, the Sarronti mate for life and the soul-bond makes deception of any kind impossible. We share our thoughts and emotions which creates a level of intimacy unattainable to most humans.”
Nikki tensed not at all sure she wanted to be that vulnerable. “Your mates can hear your thoughts and sense your emotions? I don’t think I’d want that.”