Brida Pact Read Online Free PDF Page A

in the neighborhood. Being cooped up this last week
had not agreed with her and she needed fresh air. The first thing she saw
outside was a ship floating above. Having watched the news all week long, Poppy
knew that the ships had not actually done anything other than hover above the
cities. It was time to get back to her normal life. Who knew how long this
would last, and Poppy had things to do and people to see. Patting her pocket to
make sure she had her phone, she walked down the driveway and started along the
sidewalk.
    After walking around the subdivision for about thirty
minutes, she felt the skin on her arms tingle. Pausing to peer around, she
didn’t see anyone but felt that maybe she should turn around to head back to
the house. As she did so, she caught sight of an idling car at the stop sign.
It was what she would normally refer to as an “FBI-mobile”. The large black SUV
had completely blacked-out windows and after Poppy stared at it for a couple of
moments, it moved down the street at a slow crawl.
    That was weird.
    Poppy checked the mail before going into the house. It was
amazing that they had been delivering all week long. The USPS delivers—rain,
shine and even during alien invasions . Giggling, she pictured that motto on
their badges. Tossing the letters onto the counter for Brian and Pixie to go
through, she sat on the couch and flipped on the TV. Since every channel seemed
to be showing news twenty-four hours a day, she thought she’d watch it for a
little bit before giving up and tuning into cable.
    Seeing a red banner pop up on TV caused Poppy to reach for
the remote and turn the sound up.
    “The president has called an emergency press conference,
please stay tuned.”
    Hearing the door lock click, Poppy glanced over to see who
it was.
    Pixie dropped her bag on the floor and flopped down on the
couch next to Poppy.
    “What’s going on? I heard the emergency broadcast noise in
my car and had to turn off the radio before my ears started bleeding.”
    “I don’t know yet. Apparently the president’s called an
emergency broadcast.”
    Both women hushed as the president walked onto the screen to
take his place at the podium.
    “My fellow Americans, negotiations have concluded with the
Phaeton Warrior race. After speaking to their council of leaders, we have
learned that the Phaeton race has been surviving by using cloning.
Unfortunately the science that they have used has resulted in a low female
birth rate. For their species to survive, they have been searching on other
planets for potential mates.
    “The State Department has decided to initiate a ‘mate match’
for single female volunteers to apply for what we are referring to as the
‘Bridal Pact’. In exchange for these volunteers, we will be able to use the
Phaetons’ medical advancements to save American lives. We will have access to a
new fuel source that will all but eliminate our need for oil, both foreign and
domestic. And we will also have the protection of their military from other
species that may discover Earth.
    “This is not a draft. It is completely voluntary. Women who
apply will be compensated for filling out an application and signing the
contract. We want to assure you that your safety and the safety of your
sisters, daughters and friends will be our number-one concern. We are working
on a profiling system with national dating sites and the Phaeton Council to
make matches, similar to what many of you have used in the past to find
companions. As of right now this is only open to women who fall within certain
criteria but might be expanded after an initial trial period passes.
    “Please keep an open mind and know that the safety of our
citizens and country is our top priority. Women wishing to volunteer or obtain
more information can contact their local Intake Centers, which will be listed
by state following this news conference or found at
bridal-pact-dot-state-department-dot-gov. This is an exciting time for