Interview with Dramok Gelan of Alien Slave (Clans of Kalquor 5)

I love a man who knows what to do with a set of handcuffs.  Today I'm talking to Dramok Gelan, who is a negotiator with one of Kalquor's regional law enforcement offices. 
Q:   So, you're a cop.  Had any shootouts lately?
A:  Actually, as a negotiator I tend not to get involved in the use of deadly force.  My Nobek, however, is an excellent sniper.  When I fail to get results and there is imminent danger to others, he steps in. 
Q:  So you prefer to not get involved in the more dangerous aspects of policing?
A:  I wouldn't say that.  I love tracking and hunting things down, including people.  I just happen to be very effective at diffusing situations, so that's where I'm used. 
Q:  What do you do when you're not catching the bad guys?
A:  As I said, I enjoy hunting.  I do that as much as possible.
Q:  Oh.  I guess the Kalquorian equivalent of deer is probably scarce in your neck of the woods with you around.
A:  You mean those nearly defenseless herbivores on your planet?  (Laughs)  Sorry, I like my prey to fight back.  It's not sport unless you go up against something that could have you for dinner.  I like it to be just me and my knife versus something with foot-long teeth and claws.
Q:  Whoa.  I'm sensing a lot of testosterone here.  What about your clanmates?  What are they like?
A:  Nobek Wynhod is as tough as they come.  A fierce fighter.  The man can sneak up on anything, which is part of what makes him such an effective sniper.  I enjoy it when he joins me on a hunt.  We've been clanmates for many years now.
Q:  And your Imdiko?  What does he do?
A:  He's a criminal psychologist, working in the same department as Wynhod and I.  Krijero is incredibly intelligent.  He doesn't give himself nearly enough credit for his strengths.  A little awkward, both physically and socially, but he more than makes up for it as a friend and companion.  I was very fortunate to add him to my clan.
Q:  Of course there's the big question that one must ask all Kalquorian men:  are you looking to clan a Matara?
A:  No.
Q:  Really?  You were pretty quick with your answer.  Would you care to elaborate?  I thought every clan wanted a Matara.
A:  My clan has discussed it thoroughly, and we've decided it's just not worth the trouble.  First of all, there are so few available now since the whole Armageddon debacle that ended the war.  The Earthers are hoping to save their own species, which is understandable.  This cuts down on the women that might have otherwise considered coming to Kalquor.  With the Imperial Clan putting a five-year hold on coerced and forced clannings, there are even fewer Earther Mataras available to us.  The ones that do come to our planet willing to clan go into the lottery system.
Q:  The lottery system?
A:  Randomly chosen clans are allowed to approach up to five Mataras for possible clanning.  They go to great lengths to impress your women in hopes of attracting one.  The ultimate decision is the Matara's.
Q:  It sounds pretty unlikely you'd even get to meet one. 
A:  Exactly.  Even if my clan did come up on the lottery, we recognize our chances of attracting a Matara are highly unlikely.  Besides, you are such tiny things.  I'd be willing to give one of you a try for sex, but in all honesty, I'm afraid of breaking you in half!
Q:  So what is in the future for Dramok Gelan's clan?
A:  Long term, we're saving for our retirement.
Q:  It must be very long term.  You don't look old enough to be planning for retirement.
A:  I'm not really, and I enjoy my work so I hope to put it off for as long as possible.  But we enjoy traveling for our various interests, and we plan to do so with a great deal of luxury.  So we put aside what we can for now.
Q:  What about short term?
A:  We're taking our first vacation in many years.  We leave for Dantovon in a few weeks where we'll hunt, mountain climb, hike, and fish.  It will be a wonderful break for us all.
Q:  It seems to me the planet Dantovon is known for another type of recreation.
A:  (Gets a big grin on his face)  Oh, we'll definitely see what the brothels have to offer.  One can't visit Dantovon and not be entertained by the many different species of females there.  I very much look forward to some casual, uncomplicated sex.
Q:  I hope you have a fun vacation, Gelan.
A:  And exciting too.  I always welcome a little adventure.