“Very well. I will advise T’rarchar that we will be moving the females in the near future. He is aware of the incidents under T’ngorzul’s command and will not object. Other ships with breeder pods have been advised to review their monitor records as well but so far no other signs of tampering have been discovered.”
“Thank you.” The thought of R’chel removed from his care caused his fists to clench, but it was for the best; it had to be.
He started to rise but M’lee spoke first. “T’chok, I was thinking about what you said. That Rachel is upset by the contracts. You need to show her that you think of her as more than a… breeder.” Her nose wrinkled. “What do those poor women do all day?”
“What do you mean? They have a comfortable living environment and frequent meals.”
“Would that be enough for you?”
“No.” The idea appalled him. “But we can not allow them free access to the ship. They are here because they violated the law.”
She waved a hand. “Even prisons on Earth have libraries, crafts, exercise yards. Do something that lets her know you see her as a person.”
The idea of pleasing his little human filled him with satisfaction. If he could not be with her, he could still take care of her. “Thank you, M’lee.”
“Would you like another drink?” she asked.
“No,” T’lan said firmly. “It is time for T’chok to leave.”
“Don’t be so rude.”
“I am not being rude.” T’lan’s eyes turned brilliant green as he looked at her. “I need to be alone with my L’chka.”
M’lee blushed and made a half-hearted protest, but T’chok rose to his feet.
“I understand. Thank you for your advice, M’lee.”
He bowed and left. While he ached to have his L’chka with him, the idea of providing for her in other ways gave him a small measure of comfort.
A week later, Rachel was once again staring at the ceiling of her bunk. In many ways, it had been a good week. The day after Bambi was taken, a new group of aliens had appeared. With swift efficiency, they had assembled a set of shelves and filled them with books. A rather odd assortment of books, to be sure, but the women were so delighted that they didn’t protest. The next day, a collection of board games and assorted crafts was delivered. Throughout the week, there were additional enhancements to make their lives more comfortable. She knew T’chok was behind the improvements, and she couldn’t help but feel a glow of satisfaction. Maybe he did care about her after all.
Unfortunately, T’chok had not been to the pod for the entire week. She had long since stopped trying to convince herself that she didn’t want to see him, even if only for a moment. Her body, however, wanted more than just a glimpse. A low thrum of arousal was her constant companion, worsening each night as she laid in her bunk and remembered each of their encounters. She tried relieving the tension herself, but nothing satisfied the ache. And it wasn’t just the desire, she missed the way he made her feel—safe and protected in a way she hadn’t experienced for many years.
When she wasn’t lusting over T’chok, she fretted about Benji. In her more optimistic moments, she managed to convince herself that her absence was a good thing—that without her to depend on, her mother and Benji would finally be able to form a true mother-son bond. Unfortunately, memories of her mother’s previous failures on that front left her terrified that he was being neglected.
“Hey, Rach.” Lizabet’s excited voice broke into her troubled thoughts. She raised her head and smiled at the girl. As she did, she realized that she could hear an unusual amount of noise coming from the common space, but given the grin on Lizabet’s face, it wasn’t anything to worry about.
“What’s up, Lizzie?” Rachel forced a smile. It was obvious that both Lizabet and Sarah were worried about her, so she tried to act more enthusiastic when they were around.
“Look!” Lizabet twirled and Rachel realized that she was wearing a pair of black jeans and a flannel shirt. “No more pajamas.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Clothes—boxes of clothes.” Lizabet grabbed her hand and pulled her out of bed. “Come get something before all the good stuff is gone.”
Rachel laughed and let herself be pulled along. A new outfit would be a nice change. The main room looked like the tag sale from hell. Boxes were scattered about the room, clothes flung over every available surface. Two women were arguing over a sundress—in October—and three were actually all tugging at the same pair of jeans. Four guards were on duty, and for once their stern expressions were missing, replaced with identical bemused looks.
“This way. Sarah’s guarding some things she thought you might like.”
Rachel’s throat tightened, touched that the two of them had thought of her amidst the excitement.
“Thank you,” she whispered, and gave the girl a quick hug. Lizabet looked startled but returned it enthusiastically.
“No problem. Maybe now you’ll smile for reals.” Apparently, Rachel’s happy act hadn’t been as successful as she had hoped.
Sarah was huddled in a corner, a box behind her, looking like a lion defending her cub. She greeted them with a sigh of relief.
“I’m glad you’re here. I was beginning to think Joanie was going to jump me for this box.”
“What do you have in there?” Rachel asked, intrigued despite herself.
“Two tanks and a sweater in your favorite color,” Sarah said, handling a pile of black items over to Lizabet.
“Sweet.”
“And these are for you, Rachel.” Sarah handed her a pair of black leggings, a soft burgundy sweater, and a long tunic in shades of cream and gold.
Rachel stroked the sweater, relishing the fuzzy knit beneath her fingers. She had to clear her throat twice before the words came out.
“Thank you. You two are the best friends I’ve ever had.”
Sarah’s eyes filled with tears and Lizabet sniffed. “Shit. You bitches are going to make me cry.”
They all laughed and wiped their eyes.
“What did you save for yourself, Sarah?”
Sarah pulled out another sweater just as the door opened. Even though she had her back to it, Rachel knew immediately that T’chok had entered. Hungry for the sight of him, she swiveled around. Despite the chaos surrounding them, his eyes had gone straight to her. She could see the blue sparks flaring from across the room before he slowly looked away.
“Females,” he said. His voice wasn’t loud but the authority in it carried and everyone stopped to look at him. “I have an announcement. This afternoon you will be transferred to Earth.”
An excited buzz filled the room. Lizabet reached out and clutched Rachel’s hand. An uneasy mixture of excitement and sorrow filled Rachel. She had been gone far too long and she knew how much her brother needed her, but to leave T’chok left her feeling aching and sad.
“You will not be returning to your homes,” T’chok continued, and the noise subsided like a deflating balloon. “You will be housed in a detention facility for the next six months. At the end of that time, you will be given alternatives for your future.” He looked at Rachel, and she saw the question there—she knew he was asking her if she would take the breeding contract. A part of her, which she suspected was her heart, urged her to agree. The rest of her revolted at the very idea of exchanging sex for freedom, no matter how much she longed to be in his arms. She shook her head, in confusion as much as denial, and saw the mask come back down over his face.
“What alternatives?” One of the braver women asked the question.
“They will be explained to you when the time approaches.” He nodded to Officer T’berdai. Rachel hadn’t even noticed him standing behind T’chok. “You will each be issued a carryall. You may bring anything you wish that will fit in that.” Another fleeting glance at Rachel and he was gone.
Conversation resumed, even louder and more excited than before. T’berdai passed out a small silver cube to each woman
and showed them how to expand the cubes into a sizeable tote.
“Do you think if we’re on Earth, they’ll let us go outside?” Sarah asked, her voice wistful.
“Oh, I hope so,” Rachel said. After living in rural Montana all her life, she missed the open space and the mountains on the horizon with a surprising intensity. Even when she only saw them as she was rushing to school or to work, she always knew they were there. Before her mother got pregnant again and her father died, he had taken the family camping on weekends and she still associated him with the outdoors.
“Come on, ladies. Let’s get packed.” Sarah cast a rueful glance at the small handful of clothes. “What there is to pack anyway. At least that means I can take a couple of books and my feeble attempt at knitting.”
Rachel smiled and followed along, but she was far more concerned about T’chok than a few clothes. He obviously still wanted her—was he simply going to avoid her for the next six months?
Chapter Eleven
By the time T’chok returned that afternoon, all of the women were on edge. Sarah had played peacemaker in two fights and comforted several others who simply broke down in tears. Rachel knew that she should have helped her, but she didn’t have the patience, or frankly, the same concern that Sarah had about the others. She tried to keep Lizabet from bouncing off the walls, and considered she was doing more than her share.
“Where do you think they’re going to take us?” the girl asked for what felt like the hundredth time. “I hope it’s somewhere warm. Miami would be fucking awesome.”
“Somehow, I don’t see us lying in the sun on Miami Beach,” Rachel responded, but Lizabet ignored her.
“Or California. I’d love to see LA.”
Rachel let her continue her improbable speculations, contributing an occasional nod when required. Sarah returned from her latest effort and collapsed next to them.
“I am so ready for this be over.”
The door opened and once again, T’chok was there. This time he didn’t even glance at her, and she bit her lip at how much that hurt.
“Females. The time has come to depart. You will leave in a single line. Each of you will be escorted by a warrior and you will proceed directly to the transport ship.” He gestured to the woman closest to the door. She paled but walked to the door, clutching her tote.
Beyond the opening, Rachel could see a line of warriors, their massive bodies and horned heads forming an intimidating gauntlet. The woman came to an abrupt halt.
Sarah shook her head. “Doesn’t he realize that he’s scaring Heather to death? Come on. Let’s show them there’s nothing to be frightened about.” She rose to her feet and Rachel and Lizabet followed her. Sarah’s tote was obviously heavy, overloaded with books, but she led the way with a confident stride.
“Commander T’chok, why don’t you let me go first so that the other women can see there is no reason to be afraid?”
“Of course. This is Officer T’gana. He will be your escort.”
A huge male stepped forward. Like T’chok, he appeared somewhat older, and his face was weathered. He approached Sarah with caution, then reached for her bag. She drew back, a brief flash of fear crossing her face.
He looked frustrated and spoke in a low, rumbling voice. “Heavy. Carry.”
Startled, Sarah looked up at him and Rachel saw her face soften. “Thank you.” She let him take the bag, then the two turned and started down the corridor.
“Uh oh,” Rachel whispered to Lizabet.
“What do you mean?”
“Didn’t you see the way they looked at each other?”
“But they’re so old. That’s gross.” Lizabet immediately blushed. “I didn’t mean Sarah. I just meant he’s old.”
T’chok motioned for Heather again and she stepped forward reluctantly to follow Sarah down the corridor. Rachel gave Lizabet a gentle push so that they were next in line. A troubled expression crossed T’chok’s face as he looked at Lizabet.
“L’zabet. Do you still wish to stay with this group?” he asked.
“Of course, I do. You aren’t going to take me away, are you?” Lizabet stumbled back into Rachel and clutched her arm.
“No, not yet.” He looked at Rachel over the girl’s head, and despite his attempt to keep his warrior mask in place, she saw longing in his gaze. Her own wretched heart couldn’t help responding, and she gave him a shy smile. His posture eased, just a fraction, but enough for her to recognize his relief before he turned back to Lizabet.
“Do you want to walk with R’chel?”
“Yes!” Rachel winced as the girl’s grip tightened.
“Very well. This is Officer T’khui and Sub Commander T’relma. They will escort you.” He focused on the two males and ice dripped from his words. “You will protect them with your lives.”
“Yes, sir.” They both placed a hand over their hearts and bowed their heads.
With one last look at T’chok, Rachel guided Lizabet out of the pod that had been their prison. One guard walked in front, the other behind, both with a hand on their weapon. They moved through the same white corridors that she remembered from her previous escape, but this time no one approached her. A warrior was stationed at each intersection but there were no other signs of life.
When they emerged at last in the hangar, she stopped abruptly enough that Lizabet almost stumbled over her. The enormous space curved off in both directions, further than she could see, with rows of ships in all size and shapes. The one directly in front of them was large and ugly, like a giant metal insect. Beyond the ship, only a wide opening separated them from outer space. In the distance, she could see what must have been another part of the ship, but it had to be a mile away. More ships passed between the two arms.
“Wow,” Lizabet whispered. “It’s like a fucking movie.”
“Not like any movie I’ve ever seen.” She frowned up at the guards, who had halted with them. “Why aren’t there any doors? Shouldn’t we be getting pulled out into space?”
The two had a brief conversation in Yehrin before Officer T’khui responded. “Air. Wall.”
“You mean there is an air lock? We just can’t see it?”
He nodded, looking relieved that she understood, before gesturing to the waiting ship. “Go.”
Giving Lizabet’s hand a reassuring squeeze, she led the girl up the ramp. The ramp led into a tall, narrow space with a row of high-backed seats lining each side. Obviously designed for function rather than comfort, they echoed the industrial feel of the outside. Heather and Sarah were being shown how to strap into the complicated harnesses. In both cases, the guards asked permission to check the buckle and were careful to avoid touching the women. Sarah’s guard was treating her as if she were made of glass, a bashful expression on his craggy face. Sarah’s cheeks glowed, but she gave him a shy smile of thanks. Rachel climbed up next to her friend and fastened herself into the harness. The straps came down over both shoulders and up across her thighs to fasten across her stomach. As soon as her guard moved away, she turned to whisper to Sarah.
“Did you find a friend?”
“Stop that.” Her blush intensified. “He was just… nice, that’s all.”
“Do you remember when you didn’t believe me when I said I wasn’t interested in T’chok? How’s it feel when the shoe’s on the other foot?”
“And you were the one who said nothing can happen until after the Forbidden Cycle is over.”
“Then take my advice. Don’t touch him and whatever you do, don’t kiss him.”
“Ew, no,” Lizabet chimed in. But Rachel noticed that Sarah’s eyes had traveled to where T’gana was stationed by the door, supervising the process of loading the women, and her lips curved up.
Once all of the seats were full, the line of guards took up position at each end of the chamber, bracing themselves with an overhead grip. The ramp lifted and the room was plunged into darkness except for a small row of lights beneath the seats. Lizabet squeaked and grabbed Rac
hel’s hand. She wasn’t too thrilled with the darkness herself and squeezed back. A vibration started beneath their feet before a slight jolt signified that they were moving. Given the elaborate straps and the heavy metal of the seats, Rachel had expected a bumpy ride. Instead, the flight was remarkably smooth, and the tension began to subside. After a few cautious glances at the guards, the women began to chat and the ride passed quite quickly. Another small jolt indicated the landing.
An excited murmur filled the cabin until Sub Commander T’relma stepped forward.
“Females. Once the ramp is lowered, you will be escorted to your residence. The officers on duty will direct you to your assigned rooms.”
“Did he say rooms?” Lizabet gasped. “I love you bitches, but I’m so ready for my own fucking space.”
“He didn’t say how many rooms,” Sarah cautioned.
The girl’s face fell, and Rachel nudged her. “Cheer up, Lizzie. Let’s just hope that they aren’t bunk beds.”
The ramp lowered and there was a collective gasp. Outside the ship they could see a bright blue sky and mountain peaks topped with a dusting of snow. A cold, crisp breeze swept into the cabin, bringing the scent of pine, and Rachel fought back the tears. God, she had missed this. She looked at Sarah and saw the same happiness in the other woman’s eyes. They both fumbled at their restraints, eager to get outside.
Rather than being escorted by individual guards this time, the women were herded outside as a group. To one side of the ship was an enormous old hotel, stretching up at least ten stories above them. The faded brick needed paint and some of the shutters were askew, but the details spoke to a time of grand hotels and month-long vacations. The building made a large C shape, following the curve of a mountain lake that reached from behind the hotel, back between the base of the mountains. The deep blue of the lake echoed the sky and showed a mirror image of the surrounding peaks.
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