Alien in the Family

spoke to Christopher, Gower, and Michael.
    Martini looked around. Christopher, Gower, and Michael were next to him. “I’d like to see what the others in the bloodline have to say about this.”
    Christopher nodded and stepped forward with Michael’s help. “I respectfully decline the kingship of Alpha Four, for me and the descendants of my line. I will serve Alpha Four if my acknowledged leader serves or requests it, and I will not if he does not.” He put his hand on Martini’s shoulder.
    Michael helped his brother get to Martini’s other side. “I speak for my brother and myself,” Gower said. “We respectfully decline the kingship of Alpha Four, for us and all the descendants in our lines. We will serve Alpha Four if our acknowledged leader serves or requests it, and we will not if he does not.” Like Christopher, he put his hand on Martini’s other shoulder.
    Victoria and Leonidas looked back at Martini. “The others have declined,” he said. “You are the only hope our world, our system has. What is your decision?”
    Martini didn’t look at them when he answered. He looked straight at me. “I respectfully decline the kingship of Alpha Four, for me and all descendants in my line. I have another life, and it doesn’t belong here, so neither do I.”

CHAPTER 56

    I MANAGED NOT TO BURST INTO TEARS. ACE is allowing Jeff access to Kitty’s feelings again.
    Thanks, big guy.
    Victoria was standing there in shock. Leonidas didn’t look shocked—he looked worried, and a little hopeful, at least when he glanced at Alexander.
    I took a deep breath, let it out, and felt in control enough to talk. “Think that covers the Earth blood. Alex, what’s your plan?”
    “I respectfully dec—”
    “Dude! Not a good plan!”
    He looked at me in confusion. “But . . . I don’t want it.” I saw Leonidas out of the corner of my eye—he was tensed and focused. I could practically feel him trying to influence Alexander’s decision. But no worries, that’s what I was there for, and unlike the Chief Councillor, there weren’t any repercussions they could use against me.
    “Alex, want has nothing to do with responsibility. You know why Jeff and the others declined? Because this world is no longer their responsibility—Earth is. But this is your world, and these are your people. Leadership isn’t about wanting—that’s what screwed up your great-uncle. Jeff and Christopher don’t want to have to run everything—they do it because they’re the best at what they do, and our world needs them.”
    “I don’t want to rule the way my great-uncle did,” Alexander said.
    “That’s a great start. But there’s only one way to achieve that.”
    He gave me a long look. “I thought I could stay with all of you.”
    I shrugged. “Unlock the freaking gate. I’m sure we’d be open to the occasional visit back and forth. Provided both sides called first and made sure their respective houses were cleaned and tidied.”
    “Alexander has already refused the crown,” Victoria said quietly.
    “So what? Unless this world’s ready to hail Queen Victoria, then they’d better hail King Alexander pronto. Or else I have a queen standing right down there who could probably rule this planet as well as her own.” Queen Renata grinned at me.
    “There is precedent,” Leonidas said. “From centuries ago. But since Alexander has refused the crown already, the people must agree.” He sounded worried.
    “Not the Poofs?”
    Leonidas pointed to one of the Poofs. “This one has accepted Alexander.” How he knew I had no idea, but I assumed they had their ways. The Poof so identified purred, loudly, which seemed to make both Leonidas and Victoria happy. This was really a freak world. “Therefore, the only remaining protocol would be approval by the majority.”
    The chanting started softly. It was started by our guys—Tim and Reader specifically—but no one seemed to notice. I didn’t mind. By the time it grew loud, everyone was chanting it. “King Alexander!”
    “Does that work?” I asked Leonidas.
    He nodded and smiled. “Yes. I believe we can safely say the majority of the population have approved the new king.”
    “Democracy along with the monarchy. Nice.”
    “It works for us . . . when the right monarchs are in place.” I noted Leonidas hadn’t projected that for the crowd. “Thank you.”
    I didn’t reply because Chuckie had helped Alexander get up the stairs to join us. “Nice display of