Entropy Risen (The Syker Key Book 3) by Aaron Martin Fransen Page B

They were found on Mars by our colony, and we became the genetic bearers, as though they Keys were expecting us. It was very frustrating for the Draconians in the beginning, since they found they were unable to bear them. The Keys rejected them at every attempt. Their alternate plan was to simply take control of our colony, to control the Sirian bearers. It was a very effective plan.
    So they’re locked to us genetically? Jessica asked.
    Yes, though we know not why. We suspect that the builders either did not anticipate the actions of the Draconians, or simply did not care. There are many unknowns.
    Jessica found this surprising. A race capable of traveling the stars, with lifetimes in the thousands of years, and they had unknowns? I have a question if I may. You live very long, correct?
    Compared to humans today, yes. We can live into the tens of thousands of your years.
    Why don’t we have such lifespans then? she asked.
    Your programming at the hands of the Draconians was extensive. They introduced genetic changes, dietary changes that reduced your lifespans very, very quickly. It was easier to control a population that had no direct memory of their history. This was the means of introducing ritual, religion.
    She nodded. It made sense.
    However, it is our feeling that this is enough of an introduction. You must think on this, and you may return any time you wish. Alath smiled again. Perhaps next time we can give you a tour of our world.
    You mean the whole ship? John asked, somewhat excited at the prospect apparently.
    No, our home world. Do not make the mistake of thinking that because we travel to Earth on this ship that we are not able to visit our home. As I said, for every technology there is a cost. We simply choose not to teleport unless necessary.
    Jessica and John were both wide eyed. A visit to the home world of their ancestors? A chance to see the birth place of mankind...it was mind boggling. Thank you, we would like that very much.
    Alath smiled, and the four of them stood. Jessica and John followed their lead. It hadn’t occurred to Jessica before, but the grass was very similar to varieties found on Earth, but...softer? When she stood, she noticed that there was no evidence she had been sitting there. The grass appeared untouched.
    Thank you , she said, bowing. Their hosts bowed as well, then she took John’s hand and disappeared.
    ***
    Arthur wasn’t very comfortable.
    Sitting in one of the many meeting rooms at the British Parliament building, across from the Prime Minister and a dozen other assorted bureaucrats, his recent brush with celebrity had given him access to the folks in power.
    It made sense. With Pan feeding him information, he could easily tell who had been corrupted, and how. And every single man sitting at the table with him had been compromised in some fashion. They were, or at least appeared to be, making a genuine effort to dig themselves out of the hole.
    “So if I may, I would like to review these actions you have recommended for us,” the Prime Minister said. Charismatic fellow, Arthur had to admit. They always were. Kenneth Winslow was his name. Hell, he still remembered Rob Walpole, regarded as the first Prime Minister of Great Britain. Actually met him in Norfolk, chubby fellow, smart, save his fondness for sweets. Arrogant. Typical of blue bloods.
    “Please,” Arthur answered.
    “First, campaigns must account for every pound, and publish that information on the Internet, including how it is spent?”
    Arthur nodded.
    “Second, in any advertising, we may not mention the plans of others, only our own plans.”
    He nodded again. He could see the Prime Minister struggle with it. This was a sea change from the way things were done, and he didn’t honestly expect it to happen. They were simply paying Arthur lip service, having been exposed to the light of day.
    “So the only time we will be able to discuss something put forward by someone else is during