They took the wounded to the infirmary underground. Carina was immensely impressed with the technology that once had been a major part of the Dreg civilization
Although the Dregs refused to use technology for everyday life, they kept just enough of it to aid in other aspects, such as medicine and of course defense
She wondered just how much defense and war technology the Dregs had kept. They were warriors, so it made sense that they kept their military tech for protection
Carina imagined that all of it, if not most had been salvaged. The thought brought a sudden chill to her spine. After what happened in the attack, she was thankful for the knowledge that there was protection against any future attacks
She had stayed up most of the night after the attack caring and tending to the survivors. Alura had scolded her for pushing herself so hard, but there was a need inside her to make sure the injured were as well cared for as possible. Most of the women took turns in shifts
Not Carina though, she stayed and worked through every shift only stopping to grab something to eat or tend to the now orphaned children. That was another dilemma. They now had over eighty children that needed foster parents
Some of the Breeders had suggested organizing a lottery and selecting parents randomly. That way everyone would have a chance to adopt a child or children. There would be no lack of offers to take the children. In fact, several couples from the central and neighboring communes had already placed their requests with Kaden and Corbin
For Carina, the more she time she spent with these noble people, made her less homesick. It was a fact that both scared and amazed her
Back on earth she was never a part of something greater. Since she really had no true family other than her grandmother and estranged sister, both of who had been cold and indifferent since she graduated college. It was a never ending tug-a-war between them and her
At twenty-eight years old they were still nagging her about her ‘life choices'. They had never been happy with her decisions on everything from wardrobe to career choices. She on the other hand, strived to be as independent as possible. It turned into such a lonely existence
On Yor though, she seemed to have a purpose, and not just the breeding part, but also more of a chance to create and build something much more important than herself. A strong sense of pride and belonging filled her. She felt so needed and because of Kaden, wanted, loved.
Seriously, if she truly looked back at her life on earth, was she happy? That she knew the answer too and the knowledge began to strengthen her resolve to stay at Kaden's side.
A sudden movement in the corner of her eye caught Carina's attention. Alura sat down next to her. “Kaden has been looking for you."
Carina smiled at her. “I was just about to go find him actually."
She felt the soreness in her muscles more pronounced now that she finally sat down to relax. Turning her attention to Alura, she studied the older woman's profile
Alura was extraordinarily beautiful. Her complexion was a deep emerald green; even so, she was quite stunning. The other Aquarian Breeder, Kiana was quite attractive in her own right, but Alura outshined her any day
It was no secret, she had come to adore Kaden's mother as if she were her own. “I suppose I should find Kaden, I really need a bath, I don't think he will object."
Alura giggled and grabbed her hand as she started to leave, “Carina?"
"Yes Alura, what is it?” she wondered why her mother in law looked so; well honestly she did know how she looked only that it was a cross between happy and anxious.
Alura looked down a moment before she stared Carina in the face. “I know that you are not sure about remaining here on Yor. I want you to know that I understand your reluctance and I do respect your decision whatever it may be. I cannot promise that Kaden will be convinced so easily to let you go back home, but I wanted to let you know that this is possible."
Carina felt her heart flop to the pit of her stomach. If Alura was telling her what she thought she was, then it meant that the Dregs still had interstellar space travel technology
The sudden urge to yell at Alura in frustration was hard to force down, “Are you saying that I can leave Yor and return home? You have that capability?"
She stood up and took Carina's hand. She exhaled a deep breath, “Yes it is true we have the capability to travel through space. In fact the choices we have made to live as we do is simply that a choice. All of our technology and that of the other three clans was salvaged and as you have witnessed the last few days, serves its purpose. We are not ignorant people. I would say I was sorry for not telling you sooner, however I would be lying."
Carina stared at her in disbelief
"My son loves you. It seems so soon in your relationship, but it is quite obvious that his affection for you is far more than just lustful infatuation. It is common for newly matted Dregs to become besotted with their new Breeder."
Alura's face was so sincere, “However, in some cases, the fates have intervened. I would never betray my son, but you have a right to know and choose your own destiny. Remember this however, if you decide to remain, you will be given the title of High Matriarch and your decisions will affect the future of our people."
She took hold of Carina's both hands squeezing them gently, “But remember, whatever those decisions are and whether they wage war with your own beliefs, stand strong by them and always move forward.” Alura spoke in a whisper. Her determined look added strength to her words. She leaned in and placed a chaste kiss on Carina's cheek, turned and left
It was too much to think about, and although she understood Alura's motives for withholding such valuable information from her, it still made her feel duped into accepting her current fate as if she had no choice to do so
Well, now she had a choice and as wonderful as it all sounded in her head. Her heart screamed its protest. She wished that Alura hadn't told her and at the same time she appreciated that she had
Unfortunately, it would have made the decision to stay much easier if she had thought that the Dregs couldn't help her get back to Earth. What was she going to do now?
"Carina ... there you are. I've prepared the bathing pool. We have a generator beneath the pools, which provides heated water. I thought you might enjoy a hot bath.” He wiggled his eyebrows.
Kaden's dimple popped out on the left side of his face when he smiled wickedly at Carina. It faltered a little and he lifted her chin up to meet his eyes with the crook of his finger
"Is everything all right?"
The worry in his voice made her feel safe and coddled. She contemplated telling him what she knew but decided against it. She needed to think this through. Alura had told her it would be her choice and she would choose no matter what the consequences of either decision.
She stood up on her tiptoes to give him a kiss on his cheek. “I'm fine and a hot bath sounds wonderful."
His locks stroked her cheek a second before he scooped her up into his arms and carried her to the bathing pool behind their communal hut.