Page 42 of The Lost Empress

“Which as you can see is more fertile and healthy than ever before,” the alien argued, gesturing around to the tree-filled areas.

“Well, we aren’t asking for much,” Faraday countered. “Our purpose for using it is honorable. We want to promote love. I don’t know what kind of aliens you are, but most respect the mission of creating love since it is the most important resource on any planet.”

The alien seemed to think on this. “We are a race of peace and love.”

“Then can’t you help us?” Gen questioned. “We will use the profits we create through spreading and strengthening love by employing good people to fight for justice. Our mission is solely benevolent.”

“That’s right,” Emperor confirmed in his commanding voice. “We’re not going to exploit Ever Grow for our own selfish gain.”

They turned, looking at the others behind them. No one said a word or even made a gesture. They seemed to be having silent communication amongst themselves. After a long moment, the leader turned back around facing them.

He held out his hand and a bright light appeared. Then all the fragments of the pod of Ever Grow disappeared in a blinding flash. All of it was gone, even the small bits that Faraday had dropped onto the ground.

Gen’s chest fell with disappointment. She felt frustrated and like a failure, but how could she argue with these strange creatures? They had made their case and the aliens were unwilling to help them. She couldn’t really argue since Ever Grow was probably the most valuable resource in the world. And these aliens appeared to be incredibly powerful; fighting them would be a death sentence. They probably all had mind control like Emperor and would kill Gen with a blink of their eyes—if they even did blink…

When the light above the alien’s hand dimmed completely, Gen spied something small sitting on top of it. The creature stepped forward, offering her what it held. She saw then it was a tiny fragment of the rock—of Ever Grow. Her eyes widened, surprise making her speechless.

“This is only a small amount, but will yield its weight in diamonds,” the alien explained. “We offer you this gift due to your bravery, help in finding our prized resource and due to your righteous mission. However, we do have stipulations.”

Gen pulled her eyes away from the inconspicuous rock in the alien’s hand and looked directly at them. “What is it?”

“You must never tell anyone about Ever Grow or about us and you must never sell the diamonds for anything but the purposes of love,” the extraterrestrial answered. “Do you agree?”

Gen nodded, thinking these were easy terms.

“If you ever break this promise,” the alien began, a warning in their tone. “We will know and return to confiscate all diamonds produced from Ever Grow and punish you for your betrayal.”

A painful chill shot down Gen’s back and she really didn’t want to know what kind of punishment these strange and powerful aliens would use. They had said they were a peaceful race, but something told her that they also didn’t mess around or tolerate deceit.

She nodded sternly, reaching out with a shaking hand. When her fingers were nearly over the alien’s she paused. Looked at the creature. Then she took the Ever Grow, finding it surprisingly heavy in her hand.

“Thank you,” she said, offering a smile and stepping back with the alien resource in her grasp.

“You are welcome,” the alien said. “And it is our hope that we never meet again. If that occasion comes to pass, it will be because you’ve broken your part of the agreement.”

“I won’t,” Gen assured.

“Very well,” the alien replied and simply nodded. Then a flash shot out in all directions from around the aliens. The light was so bright and blinding that Gen turned away at once, shielding her eyes. The assault on her vision was followed by a loud piercing noise that went on for a long moment, making a sharp ringing in Gen’s head, trespassing into her being with an uncomfortable sensation.

She braced herself for another attack on her senses or a physical one on her body. But as quickly as the noise and light had started, it was suddenly gone. Gen pulled her arm away from her face, looking around in the darkness, trying to make out the scene around them. It took several blinks of her eyes for her vision to clear and for her to make sense of what was around her.

Gen, Emperor, and Faraday stood in the vegetation-filled crater—alone. The aliens had gone and she hoped they would never return.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

CALORIES—A MAGICIAN’S BEST FRIEND

The Counter Custom Burgers, Santa Monica, California, United States

“Are you ready to continue your culinary education of modern foods?” Liv asked Gen as they stepped into the restaurant. After Gen had safely taken the Ever Grow and Faraday back to FGA, she knew she was overdue to refuel. Thankfully, Liv had offered to take her out for food when she returned to Los Angeles. Portal magic made crossing the country and the world so much easier, but still depleted Gen’s magical resources quite a bit.

“Yes, so how are you educating me today?” Gen asked, squeezing into the busy place.

“Today you’re venturing into the magnificent world of burgers,” Liv explained, looking around the busy place for a table. “They can be done as many ways as nachos and although not as good, they offer a combination of flavors that packs a punch. If you like meat and sauces, then get ready for a taste explosion. This place has the best burgers in Los Angeles.”

The Counter Custom Burgers in Santa Monica was apparently a very popular place judging by the number of people filling up the restaurant. Gen’s senses were immediately overwhelmed by the strange and wondrous sights, sounds and smells that filled the air. The interior was a mixture of colors and textures, with walls adorned in what appeared to be a bizarre tapestry of images and words, all glowing with an otherworldly light. The floors, a sleek and shiny surface that reflected the overhead lights like a polished mirror, were dotted with tables and chairs of a most peculiar design, their metal frames twisted into shapes that seemed to defy the very laws of nature.

The air was filled with a symphony of sounds, a blend of laughter, chatter and the sizzling of meat on a hot surface. The scent of cooking food wafted through the air, a tantalizing aroma that made Gen’s mouth water and her stomach grumble with anticipation.

---