Page 42 of Rule

“Another planet, not far from here. TheGokmards attacked the Vokine planet and we provided military assistance.”

“For the same reason you helped Earth?”Evelyn asked.

“No. The Vokine females are not compatiblewith us for breeding,” Bran said. “They provided us with some of theiradvanced technology and we provided them with the gallberry plant.”

“Does the plant grow on their planet?”Evie said.

“Under certain conditions,” I replied. “Theycannot grow it in a field like we do – their planet has an extremely hotclimate - but the atmosphere of their planet does not kill it immediately likeearth’s does.”

“Do you have lots of planets in your solarsystem?” Evelyn asked.

“Many,” Bran said. “Your Earth knows ofsome of them but not all.”

“Why are the Draax the only ones who cometo Earth?” Evelyn said. “I mean, I get why the Gokmards came, but why haven’tany of the other worlds? Is it because you protect us?”

I didn’t know how to say it without insultingthe little human. Bran had no such fears.

“Your planet and its inhabitants are primitive.Your technology is laughable, and your natural resources are close to depleted,”Bran said. “The Gokmards wished to have it only because that is what they do,they seek out other worlds and conquer them. Other planets know there isnothing of worth on Earth.”

Evelyn gaped at him and I scowled. “Bran,enough.”

“What?” Bran gave me a genuinely confusedlook. “It is true, Court. We ourselves would never have gone near Earth, iftheir females had not been breeding compatible.”

“You hurt the human – Evie’s – feelings,” Isaid.

Bran stared at her. “How?”

“You insulted her entire planet,” I replied.

Bran studied Evelyn. “That was not myintention,” he finally said.

She nodded. “I know and really… I supposeyou’re right. Our technology does improve with every generation, but we arefar behind the Draax.”

“And we are not even that technically advanced.Compared to the Vokines or even the Scuun, we are almost as primitive as Earth.”

“Scuun?” Evelyn said.

“Great yellow beasts,” Bran said. “Bigbrains, many tentacles.”

“Scuun!” Bella shouted. She moved herarms in a wavy, ripple-like motion. “Scuun!”

She smiled at Evelyn and the human gave hera small grin before patting her arms. “Are these your Scuun tentacles, Bella?”

Bella giggled. “Bella not Scuun. BellaDraax.”

“That’s right,” Evie said. “And what am I?”

“Evie girl human.”

“That’s right!” Evie crinkled her nose ather in a cute little way that made my cock twitch in my pants again.

“Kiss, Evie girl?” Bella puckered her lipsand Evelyn gave Bran a nervous look.

“Kiss Bella!” Bella pulled on Evelyn’s arm.“Kiss!”

“It is fine,” Bran said.

Evie bent her head and kissed Bella. Shegiggled and leaned against Evie’s chest before smiling at Bran. “I colour now,Papa.”

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