Captives of New Pompeii

by Aubrey Ross

  “All right, I am confused now. What did your world do to change the basic nature of man? Unless things are very different on Fedoros, the capacity for violence is an inevitable part of each of us.”

  Laetif shook her head and carefully set down her coffee cup. “No. Human nature hasn’t changed. We are still capable of horrendous acts of violence, but the penalties for acting on those impulses are so severe that people have learned to control them.”

  “What penalties? Are they worse than crucifixion or being boiled in oil?”

  “That’s the problem. Both of those penalties are violent. That means someone has to commit murder to punish the murderer.”

  “It’s not murder if the—”

  “I don’t want to debate the morality of death penalties. I’m not sure what we do is any better.”

  “What does your world do?”

  “We alter the person’s brain, make them incapable of any form of violence. It leaves the person…changed, their personality muted. But a few years after the practice was adopted violent crimes dropped dramatically.”

  “How can they be certain they have the right person? How many innocent people have had their brains butchered in the name of justice?” Sitting back in her chair, Felicia folded her arms and shook her head. She would not accept such a perverted practice. Each mind, each personality was carefully sculpted by the… But these people kept insisting that her gods were not real.

  “Fedoros is under continual surveillance. Remember the vidstation?” Felicia nodded, too upset to speak. “Cameras are placed all over our world and they record everything that happens. If the authorities need to find out who committed a crime, they just review the image of that particular scene, or check the GPS logs.”

  “What is a GPS?”

  “Global positioning system. It’s another type of machine that keeps track of everyone’s location.”

  The concept of creating images was easier to understand than an all-seeing machine, so Felicia focused on surveillance. “These images are created when people are alone inside their homes?”

  “No, but the images of the street outside their home would show who went in and out.”

  “I understand.” She was distressed by the concept, but she understood what Laetif had explained.

  “Now people always want what they can’t have. True?”

  “Very true.”

  “Little by little Fedorans started making games and simulations that incorporated the violent acts they were forbidden. It started out with relatively innocent simulations, but the acts became more graphic and more disturbing. These things were not really happening, you understand. People were just watching moving images created by computers.” She paused for a reassuring smile. “Are you still with me?”

  “I believe so.”

  “Good. This is where everything connects. Mikko and his business partner at the time visited your planet about eight years ago. While they were in Rome, they went to the Colosseum and watched the gladiator games. Needless to say, they were fascinated. They knew Fedorans wouldn’t be able to resist the brutality or the suspense.”

  “But violence of any kind is forbidden on Fedoros.”

  “Violence of any kind is forbidden to Fedorans,” Laetif stressed. “Mikko and the prince recruited gladiators from all over the Roman Empire and brought them to Fedoros.”

  “How did they explain their technology?”

  “A few were told, like you. But most were kept in stasis until they were in the training facility.”

  “Ludus.” Felicia smiled, proud to provide an unknown word for a change.

  “Yes, ludus. The gladiators were taken to a ludus that looked much like any other, so they had no idea they were on a different planet.”

  “And gladiators are slaves, kept in cages, so they were never in a position to find out.”

  “True.” Laetif didn’t sound particularly proud of the fact and she rushed on to the next part of the story. “The gladiators fought as they have always fought with one major distinction. The only time they were allowed to kill was when they were fighting criminals.”

  “Where did the criminals come from if there is no crime on Fedoros?”

  “Our colonies are still brash and uncivilized. That’s where the Thrax brothers come from.” The thought made her chuckle. “So, Fedorans paid for the privilege of watching moving images of these games. They would through parties and wager on the outcome. The games were extremely popular, so Mikko and his partner returned to Earth for more gladiators.”

  “I thought they weren’t allowed to kill each other. Why would they need more?”

  “Not intentionally, but you’ve seen gladiators fight. They don’t pull their punches or hesitate to swing their swords. I think that’s part of the appeal. Everyone hopes someone will be hurt badly or even die. As you said, the capacity for violence is part of our basic nature.”

  “When and why did they build the city?”

  “Soon, watching vids of the games wasn’t enough. Prince Tarhee convinced his father to allow Fedorans to actually attend the matches. They built a large arena and created a string of ludi to encourage rivalries among the gladiators. That’s when the sport really took off. Everyone wanted to see a live gladiator, to hear the bones snap and smell the blood.” She shivered, but Felicia wasn’t sure if it was revulsion or excitement. “Then Tarhee and Mikko plotted a way to expand the concept even more. They wanted to create a more exciting experience, offer Fedorans the opportunity to walk among the ancient people and live as they lived for a few days.”

  “So they built a replica of one of our cities? How did they intend to populate such a place? They could not have known about the volcano when the construction began.”

  “They figured they would gather people as they had gathered the gladiators, a few at a time from many different places.”

  “They were going to steal thousands of people from my world and release them without their knowing they had been moved? That’s despicable.”

  “They knew the people would realize they were in a different place. There was no way to avoid that, but they figured they would adjust to the new situation because it was so similar to their homeworld.”

  “I think they greatly underestimated the people of my world, but the volcano makes this moot. In one fell swoop, your husband was given an entire population and an explanation that will satisfy the majority of the survivors. There is one thing I don’t understand. How will we be kept in the city? What is to prevent us from wandering into your world?”

  “Venus is going to erect an energy barrier. If anyone touches it, they will be burned.”

  “Why would a benevolent goddess trap her people within the confines of one city?”

  “The barrier is a shield protecting you from Vulcan. Her husband was furious when she rescued your people and he is desperate to discover where she put you so he can try again. Anyone who steps beyond the barrier will be vaporized by Vulcan.”

  Felicia was quiet for a long time. She despised the manipulation, but she had to admit that their story explained everything. Those who hadn’t believed in Venus before the miraculous relocation were sure to believe in her now. And fear of her husband’s wrath would keep them from trying to escape.

  “Then we are to live the rest of our lives on display? We are an exhibition for the entertainment of Fedorans?”

  Laetif looked her in the eyes and asked, “Would you rather be dead?”

  Chapter Seven

  Would you rather be dead?

  Laetif’s question echoed through Felicia’s mind for hours after she returned to Aiden’s cabin. Life as they knew it was over. There was no going back. She tried to imagine what the entire experience would be like if her gift had not warned her of Aiden’s deceit. If she had been an ordinary woman, she would have been taken to a small, windowless room and been told the Fedorans’ story. Would she have believed the tale and would she have been content within the false reality?

 
She was still contemplating those questions when Aiden walked through the door. His smile sent heat spiraling through her body. “Did you miss me?”

  “No,” she lied. “Laetif kept me entertained.” Unfolding her legs, she scooted off the bunk and slipped her hands into the pockets of her pants. Pockets were a new concept, as were pants, but she was rapidly adjusting to all sorts of new things.

  “I just bet she did.” He moved closer, his gaze moving over her face. “Did she have any outrageous stories?”

  She wanted to tell him that his brother was the outrageous one, but instead she just smiled.

  “Was she able to answer your questions? Do you understand what Mikko is doing?”

  She quickly told him what she’d learned and waited for his reaction.

  “If Fedorans are going to interact with the population of New Pompeii, how will they keep the environment authentic?”

  “She said there is something called a ‘noninterference clause’ that must be agreed to before anyone from outside will be allowed into the city. They will dress and act as much like the people of Pompeii as possible. My people will believe they visit from other cities beyond the barrier.”

  “Why are Fedorans allowed through the barrier, but not the people of New Pompeii?”

  “Vulcan is not searching for Fedorans. We have the unpleasant distinction of being favored by Venus. The Fedorans are harboring us, so it is in their best interest not to mention us to anyone.” She shook her head. “As long as a person believes in the gods, it’s all perfectly reasonable.”

  “And the miraculous way they were transported to another world will reinforce their belief in Venus.”

  “Exactly.” He shook his head as well, a reluctant smile curving his lips. “It’s crafty. You have to give them that.”

  “It’s diabolical. But in the long run it might be what’s best for my people. Their lives will continue on as they have always been, while mine is in complete upheaval.”

  He opened his arms and she went eagerly into his warm embrace. She didn’t want to need him, but already she felt more balanced, more secure when he was around. “I would have spared you this upheaval, but you saw right though my ploy.”

  She eased away without leaving his arms. “You were claiming to be what I am. Did you honestly think you could fool the real thing?”

  His brow arched. “You are one of six priestesses we’ve processed so far. You’re the only one who second-guessed the cover story. You’re not the average priestess, my dear.”

  Pleased by his praise, she decided to tell him her decision. “This is going to happen with or without my cooperation, so I’ve decided to help you. I want the transition to be as painless as possible for as many of my people as I can help.”

  “That’s wonderful!” He pulled her back against his chest and hugged her for a moment, his hands moving up and down her back. “We’ll have to be really careful. You’ll need to stay in the infirmary as much as possible.”

  “Is that where the orientations take place?”

  “Yes. It’s important to minimize everyone’s exposure to the ship and the crew.”

  For a long moment they just stood there, content in each other’s arms. “This feels really nice.” She rested her head on his shoulder and surrounded herself with his scent.

  “Can I sleep here tonight?” His voice was barely a whisper, yet need resonated through the hushed tone. “We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready to do, but I want you in my arms.”

  Summoning all her courage, she met his smoldering gaze. “I’d like that.”

  He kissed her then, the caress soft and tender. His tongue brushed against her lips but went no farther. She wrapped her arms around his back and pressed against him, loving the feel of his strong body and eager to explore him more fully. She parted her lips, wanting a deeper connection, wanting more. But he pulled back and smiled then kissed the tip of her nose.

  “We’ve got work to do,” he reminded. “This will have to wait.”

  The rest of the day passed in a blur of emotion and frustration. Felicia changed back into her robes, which had been washed and pressed by another machine. The refugees accepted the cover story more readily with her assistance, but they also felt more comfortable asking questions. She did her best to alleviate their fears, but Aiden kept reminding her that they were on a very tight schedule.

  When the final group had cycled through for the day, Felicia was left with a vague sense of doom. Was she a traitor to her people, or had she simple offered them what comfort she could in an impossible situation?

  “What’s the matter?” Aiden squeezed her hand, which was entwined with his as they walked back to his cabin. “You’ve been suspiciously quiet for the past few hours.”

  “How will the houses be assigned? What will become of the people who travel from one city to another? Much of Pompeii’s commerce was dependent upon trade.”

  “They will trade with Fedorans now and visitors from other places. I suspect once the city is operational, people will come from all over the place. It really is a unique concept.”

  “What about the fishermen? How will they make a living now?”

  “I saw a holo-model of the city. A section of the ocean will be inside the barrier. Fishermen will still be able to fish. The barrier will just keep them from venturing to other ports.”

  She sighed, unable to resolve the fundamental problem. “They will all be living a lie.”

  “Yes, but they’ll be living.”

  She had no response for that argument. Laetif had used it to shut her up as well. Was captivity really better than death—even if one didn’t realize one was a captive? “I need to stop thinking about this. I am driving myself crazy. How will I continue on as before when I am no longer sure of the goddess I serve? I’m a high priestess. There should be no doubt in my heart.”

  He opened the door for her and they stepped inside his cabin before he replied. “You don’t have to stay in New Pompeii. In fact, as much as you know, they might not let you.”

  “I will not desert my people.” People came to her for advice and comfort in their bleakest times of need. Her gift allowed her to find lost children and predict disasters. Regret reinforced her frustration. If the governor had heeded her warnings about the volcano’s eruption, none of this would have been possible.

  Aiden’s hands came to rest on her hips and he pressed his forehead against hers. “You’re right. You need to stop thinking about it.”

  “What will you do when we reach Fedoros? Your obligation ends when we are delivered, does it not?”

  He framed her face with his hands and tipped her head up. “No more talk about the future. I’m exhausted and so are you. Let’s go to bed.”

  Excitement tingled down her spine. Would he couple with her if she asked him to? Did she want him to climb on top of her and push his cock into her pussy? His words for the involved body parts were more enticing than hers. Laetif seemed certain that Aiden would be gentle, that he would be able to make it good for her. Felicia wasn’t convinced that any man was that patient.

  If her goddess didn’t exist, there was no reason to keep herself pure. Once they reached Fedoros, she would be sequestered again, forced to live separately from the masses.

  “I can see uncertainty in your eyes.” He kissed the corners of her eyes then followed the arch of her eyebrows with soft, feathery kisses. “I will not touch you unless you want me to. I’ll just hold you and we’ll go to sleep.”

  “That’s the cause of my uncertainty. I am not sure what I want.”

  “Then I say we find out.” He picked her up and set her on the edge of the bed, kneeling in front of her as he removed her sandals. “Do you like it when I touch you? How does this make you feel?” He rested her foot on the center of his thigh and caressed her calf, gently massaging the muscle.

  She leaned back on her hands, trying to relax. But his hands were strong and warm, his touch undeniably evocative. “Your brother spank
ed Laetif,” she blurted, too nervous to concentrate on what she was feeling.

  Aiden’s hands stilled and then he laughed. “Sounds like Caleb. He is incorrigible. Was she upset about it?”

  “No. She liked it.” He pushed her robe up to mid-thigh and eased her legs apart, scooting closer as his hand slipped under the material. “They have not coupled yet, but I know they will.”

  “How detailed was this vision? I know they were naked or at least partially undressed. How were they positioned?”

  His hands moved over her thighs, dipping to the insides then outward again. She kept talking, needing the distraction from the needs he was unleashing within her, longings she wasn’t quite ready to embrace. “She was bent over a bed and he was behind her. His hands were on her breasts.” She swallowed as the image returned in all its graphic detail.

  “Shall I touch your breast? Would you like to see how it feels?” His face was on a level with hers, which made it hard to avoid his gaze.

  “All right.”

  One of his hands pushed up to her hip and the other came out from beneath her robes and gently cupped her breast. “I love the shape of your breasts, firm and full, perfect for the palm of my hand. You’re so soft. Will you let me look at you? I want to touch your nipple and watch it harden. Would you like that too?”

  She bit her bottom lip as desire blossomed between her legs, the hot, hollow ache making her restless. By way of an answer, she unfastened the shoulder clasps and tossed them aside then allowed the material to pool around her waist. She watched his eyes, needing reassurance but too proud to verbalize her insecurity.

  “So beautiful.” His voice was hushed and reverent, his fingers incredibly gentle as he touched her bare skin. “Would you like me to undress too?”

  “I would like that very much.”

  Pleased by her assent, he removed his uniform jacket and pulled the undershirt off over his head. His lean chest rippled with taut muscles she hadn’t realized he possessed. He wasn’t built like a gladiator, more like a messenger, all sharp definition and sinewy strength.