Gateway to HeVan by Lucy Kelly Page A

She explained this is the most popular clothing on her planet.  Both men and women wear these,” she said.
    King Ben KowLer had stood upon seeing his sister.  Since none of the other men in the room acted in a lustful manner and even took her attire in stride, he took a breath and smiled at her.  He could tell she was nervous. 
    “It is a new look for you, sissa .  Do you like them?”
    “Oh , yes!  I love them.  I won’t wear them in public, but I shall wear them in my home all the time,” she said.
    He may have said more but Grace interrupted.
    “Say, Addie, did the king mention their women were having trouble getting pregnant lately?” Grace asked.
    Ben was really shocked now.  It was a strict planetary secret about the females of their world being unable to conceive for the past six and a half years.  Their doctors had not been able to find a reason for the lack of fertility.
    “Is this right?” Addie asked him. 
    While Grace and BianCa were out of the room, they had been circling around each other with meaningless chit-chat.  It seemed Grace had been more successful than she at breaking the ice.  Grace turned to the king as she re-took her seat on the couch.
    “Didn’t Addie tell you?” she asked and waved a hand at her sister.  “She’s the Goddess of Fertility.  Anyone within a three thousand mile radius of her, who is having unprotected sex, gets pregnant, even if they’re taking a chemical preventative birth control.  Didn’t you wonder why nearly all the women on board are pregnant?” she asked.
    “She’s right,” said Addie with a half-smile.  “It’s one of the reasons we left Earth so quickly.  Even people with fertility problems were suddenly getting pregnant.  It started with the local area but by the time we left, it had stretched over a thousand miles.  It’s only gotten stronger since then.  If you like, we can orbit your planet for a few days.”
    “I would be very grateful if you did.  I won’t tell anyone why you are orbiting.  It might not work and I don’t want to get their hopes up,” he answered.
    “Why don’t you and your sister stay on board for a few days?  We’ll hammer out an agreement about the Gate while we’re orbiting―two birds, one stone.  I didn’t bring up the subject before because I haven’t reviewed the agreement Regent Malpha put in place.  If you would provide me with a copy of your negotiations and the final agreement, we can discuss it afterwards,” she said.
    “I agree,” he said with a smile.  “And I also would like to get out of these presentation clothes,” said the king.
    BianCa interjected.  “I know the women of KowLer would be happy to provide you with maternity clothes.  We’re well known for our embroidery.  If you provide us with all the women’s sizes, I’ll have the clothes sent up while you’re in orbit.  Do you have infant clothes?” she asked.
    “We originally expected to arrive at HeVan before anyone actually gave birth.  I like the way you think, though; we should prepare for any eventuality,” said Addie, musingly.
    “We’ll include some things for the babies, then.  Believe me, the women of KowLer will be so grateful, a few clothes will be a very small payment by way of a thank you,” BianCa pointed out.
    “ You’re very generous.  I know we’ll all love the gifts,” said Grace and Addie at the same time.
    The chime for the door sounded, interrupting their conversation.  Soon Glynnis and her Ankida arrived.  Arjun made the introductions.  Glynnis went right up to King Ben KowLer and began shaking her finger at him and scolding him on the behavior of the “young man” she’d spoken to the night before.  Addie started laughing at the look on Ben’s face.
    “Granny Mac, you don’t need to scold ; we’re working everything out.  King Ben wasn’t responsible for the accident,” said Addie.
    “He’s the king, isn’t he?  The buck stops there, I say,” she said