Rose pushed her way through the throngs of people in the sub-sector. The area was in an uproar. People argued about the pending treaty and several men with guns shouted as others carried signs. Rose pulled up the hood of her cloak and motioned to Yeral to follow her. Things were heating up and she needed to find Jen and get the hell topside before the volatile situation came to a head. She’d been trying to reach Jen for the better part of two weeks. Her friend hadn’t answered her com or messages.
“I do not understand. What is this place?”
Rose pressed her lips together tightly as her brain scrambled to formulate the appropriate response. “It’s where the poorest of our people live. I never knew there were so many or that they are out in the open this way.”
“You have never visited your friend before?”
“We normally meet in a hydro-bar or at my place. My father forbade me from coming…”
Yeral jerked his chin. “He wished to protect you from knowing of this, yet your friend is from this section.”
“I should have…” Closing her mouth, she thought about the situation. “All that matters is that we find her. Come, her place is one floor up. Section 33, bank 1430.”
They stopped, looking up at a round hatch with the number 1400s painted neatly across the middle. Rose grabbed the ladder and began climbing. Exiting the top, finding themselves in a long claustrophobically narrow corridor. Yeral pointed down the hallway.
“This way, the numbers are increasing.”
Rose followed him, noticing ugly graffiti scrawled across the stark stone walls. Glancing down, she wondered when humans had become so narrow minded and spiteful.
Waving her hand over the door chime on room 1430, Rose was surprised when a strange man answered the door.
“Can I help you?”
“We’re looking for Jennifer Duncan. Is she home?”
Stepping back, the man mumbled. “She’s in suite D.”
Rose looked around the room, noticing it was divided into eight separate cubicles, stacked two deep with a tiny living area separating them. Sure enough, Jen was kneeled by a bed in one of the lower cubicles. Rose slowly approached her and realized she was tending a small sick child. Placing a hand on her friend’s shoulder, she spoke.
“Are you okay? I’ve been worried.”
“I’m fine.”
“I didn’t know you had a child.”
Rolling her eyes, Jennifer replied quietly. “She’s not mine. She a scruff.”
“A what?” Yeral’s shocked voice made her turn to look behind Rose.
“A scruff. It’s what they call the homeless people who live here. She’s sick. Her mother and I’ve done about everything we can for her.”
Rose looked at the child’s pale skin and bright red lips. “She needs a doctor.”
“I spent the last of my resources on a visit to the clinic. Her mother is out getting a refill on her medicine. Whatever they gave her didn’t work.”
“Let’s get her up to my place. I’ll get my father to call his personal physician.”
“We can’t pay for that.” The three of them turned in unison to look at the woman standing just inside the door with her hand fisted around a bottle of medicine.
It was Yeral who spoke. “We will take her to my ship. Our medicine is very advanced and there will be no costs associated with her care. Come, we must hurry.”
Rose grabbed Jen by the arm. “Grab all your stuff and bring it. We’ll be heading out very soon. I don’t know if you’ve been out there but things are getting dangerous. We might not be able to get back in here later to get your stuff.”
“What the hell are you talking about? I’m not going anywhere. Remember? My guy didn’t want me.”
“I’m not leaving without you. You stay, I stay.”
“Freaking fine.” Jen stalked over to a huge stone shelf and pulled down several stacks of clothing and random objects, stuffing them into two large duffle bags. “Let’s get outta here. The little one isn’t going to last long.”
Yeral grabbed to two duffels, twisted the loops of one through the other and slung them onto his back like he’d done it a thousand times. “Give the child to me. I will carry her. You show me the way up. Hurry.”
Jen picked up the tiny toddler and rolled her into the man’s huge arms.
“She is so frail,” the captain whispered before tucking her securely into his flight jacket. With just her sleeping face exposed, he headed for the door. The women shook themselves from their shock and surrounded him, with Jen in the lead. She took them along the least populated routes and straight to the flight deck. Yeral hurried to his ship with the women following behind him.
Once in the ship’s medical suite, they watched as the healers worked on the child. The men used advanced three-dimensional scanning to thoroughly examine her body. It was easy to see exactly what the problem was. The holographic image revealed a bright red area surrounding her heart and something inside was moving. Even to Rose’s untrained eye, it looked just like a parasite.
The room abruptly shifted and clear shielding came up to make a mini operating theatre. The sides of the exam table elevated and a strange blue liquid began to fill the makeshift basin. The child’s mother stepped forward but Yeral’s hand caught her around the upper arm.
“Do not interfere. This is all normal practice for our healers. They will remove the tiny creature inside her body and your daughter will heal.”
The woman took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving the small child. They watched the doctors cut away all clothing and wash the child thoroughly in the solution before using a laser scalpel to make a small incision. The parasite they pulled from her tiny body seemed larger than it had first appeared on the holographic imager. Within moments, the wound was closed again and she was covered with white wraps. The room tilted slightly again and the clear walls receded. One of the healers motioned them over.
“Why has your world gifted us with two more females?”
Glancing up at the doorway, Rose saw Teric and Chal. Before she could answer, Yeral answered.
“I brought here the child for emergency treatment. She was dying.”
“The humans will be extremely displeased. This was not part of our treaty. Your kindhearted but rash decision may yet cost us this mission.”
“I will take full responsibility.”
“It grieves me to relieve you of duty pending a full investigation into this matter, Captain.”
Jennifer interceded. “Hey, there’s no need to relieve him of duty. The two of them are scruffs. Homeless vagrants. No one will miss them or complain that they’re here.”
Teric’s eyes landed on Rose. “She’s right. I’m certain my father won’t mind that you brought her on board. He’ll only think better of your captain for being compassionate.”
“Fine, but she must go back once the child is stable. I will not risk this endeavor for one extra fertile female.”
Rose exhaled slowly. “Thank you. I promise you’re making the correct decision.”
“Captain Yeral, until the two of them leave, you will be responsible for them. Do not risk a diplomatic incident by allowing harm to come to them aboard our vessel. Am I understood?”
“I will protect them with my life.”
“See that you do. Come, ladies. Ambassador MacDowell is expecting us.”
Jen reached out to Sara and touched her shoulder. “I’ll come back with food as soon as possible.”
Yeral’s head came up. “You will not concern yourself with such things. I will see that Lady Sara has all that she requires.”
They stared up at the slightly intimidating man. Rose thought to herself that he sounded just a tad possessive rather than merely helpful. It worried her.
“Come, your father awaits.”
The diplomatic suite at the embassy was filled. Rose glanced at Jen. Her friend was stressed to the max. Refusing to spare her any attention, she kept her gaze straight ahead and her back stiff. Rose’s
heart ached for her friend. Though the next few days would be unimaginably difficult, it would be for the best if she’d just give Chal a chance.
Sitting down, Teric apologized. “I apologize for being tardy. Rose was seeing to the needs of a homeless child from the lower sector. I hope you do not mind but my captain escorted the child and her mother to our ship for medical treatment.”
Ambassador MacDowell rose to stand at the head of the table, surrounded by a multitude of dignitaries. “The inhabitants of the sub-sector are undesirables, unworthy of consideration in these proceedings.”
Rose leapt to her feet, opening her mouth. Suddenly, she closed it again. Walking pensively around the length of the huge conference table, she approached her father face to face.
“Some of the women are known to us. Their unfortunate circumstance is the result of loss of employment only. Krylon needs support workers for their kitchens and cleaning crews. Would Earth Gov object to short-term employment being offered to a few of them?”
Her father tilted his head slightly, studying her intently before answering. “As I’ve mentioned, they are unworthy of my consideration and welcome to accept whatever employment suits them.”
Rose heard Teric suck in a quick breath and knew without asking what he was thinking.
Her father continued to speak, using his very best diplomatic voice. “We have serious issues to concern ourselves with today. Finalization of the treaty needs to be expedited. We wish to conclude the negotiation today and have the Krylon ship break orbit by sunset. Once we have gotten control of the situation here, we will welcome another visit.”
“This sounds like a matter for diplomats. Why am I here, Father?”
“Ambassador Teric has asked for you specifically to be the first bride. I’ve kept you apprised of the details of the treaty. I believe there are enough protections in place to secure you safety. Ambassador Teric is an honorable man and I trust him to see to your happiness. Do you accept his offer of marriage?”
“I do. I have much to pack. May Jennifer and I be excused to prepare for our eminent departure?”
Nodding, he took her hands in his own. “I truly believe you’re making a good decision. I wish you a lifetime of happiness and many fat children.”
Rose couldn’t keep the smile off her face. “No one’s said that in about hundred years.”
“I am pleased to be the first. Hopefully, the saying will come back into vogue.”
A hand landed on her shoulder. She turned to find Teric looking at her with an expression that could only be described as adoring. Smiling, she took a step towards him, jumped onto her toes, intent on kissing his chin which was all she could reach. Instead, his head dipped and their lips connected for a moment. He pulled back, gazing admiringly at her. “This kiss, it is something I will learn for you.”
Biting her bottom lip, she threw her arms around his neck and pulled him down until her lips were near his ear. Forcing herself to whisper, she asked. “How many women can I bring?”
Nuzzling his face in her hair, he murmured. “All you can manage. We take them all to a better life.”
Smiling up at him, she nodded and made a bee line for the door with Jennifer hot on her heels.
CHAPTER 7
“So, we’re packing?”
Pulling her friend aside, she whispered. “Screw that. We’re taking whoever is willing from the sub-section. You heard my father. They don’t care about those women, but we sure as hell do.”
Jen nodded her agreement. “What’s the plan?”
“Get in contact with Yeral. You and I will go below and gather them up, he’ll get them to the ship and no one will be the wiser.”
“That plan sounds like ten kinds of dangerous, but count me in.”
Rose lifted her com to her lips and spoke.
“Captain Yeral. Come in.”
“How may I help you, Miss Rose?”
“Is this line secure?”
They heard a beeping noise and he responded. “It is now. Is there trouble with the ambassador?”
“No, nothing like that. Earth Gov has decided they don’t give a damn about the women in the sub-sector. Teric and I are taking any who are willing. Will you help us get them to your ship?”
“I will meet you at the exit your friend used. The one with no people around. You bring the females. My men and I will see they get to the ship safely.”
“We’re headed there now. Don’t let yourselves be seen. Tensions are high right now. We don’t need any type of conflict to draw attention to our actions today.”
“I understand.”
Within twenty minutes, they entered the sub-section where they approached person after person. Speaking quietly, they explained that the Krylon ship offered sanctuary to any who wished to come. They would be offered shelter, food, and safety until they chose a husband. They quickly explained the paradise that was Krylon and the eagerness of the Krylonian males for brides. She watched as woman after woman struggled with the decision to face the unknown. Their anxiety was palpable because they knew no Earth treaty protected them.
Some were too frightened of the unknown to try it. Mostly the women with small children were eager to take a chance on a better life for their little ones. That fact alone drove home the utter hopelessness of their situation.
Rose and Jennifer took turns walking them a few at a time to the isolated exit. Picking their way inconspicuously around the protestors proved to be the most delicate part of their self-appointed rescue mission. It took the better part of the entire day to move several dozen people to the ship. Many had small children that Rose helped carry to safety. Something about feeling their little arms clutched tightly around her neck tore at her heart. Rose silently vowed to keep track of each person she rescued to see they had as much support as possible during and after their relocation.
As the evening approached, exhaustion set in. Their final trip to the isolated exit they met resistance from an older man and a small group of protestors.
“You two have been crawling around here all day long. What are you up to?”
The older woman at his side spoke up. “No good, I suspect.”
Rose handed off the small child in her arms to Jen and ushered them ahead as she hung back to speak to the protestors.
“Earth Gov has initiated a new series of inoculations for some of the individuals who don’t have good living conditions. It protects them from communicable diseases most of us aren’t usually exposed to. It’s a good program. One that makes it less likely that we’ll be accidentally exposed to pathogens.”
One of the women stepped forward. “You’re not likely to be exposed to anything quite so nasty where you’re going. They broadcasted the news about an hour ago. You’ve been selected as the first of our kind to be traded away. I recognized you from your picture.”
The older man caught her eye. “How much is a human willing to whore herself to aliens worth on the open market these days?”
Rose shoved back her hood, facing him boldly. “More than you might imagine. I believe part of the trade for my friend and I was ten thousand metric tons of much needed supplies to include food, medicines, and raw materials for fortifying our underground structures.”
“What do you get out of this situation? I would’ve thought they would have to drag you kicking and screaming.”
“Besides the satisfaction of knowing I’m making a difference for those left behind? The Krylon home world is lush and warm. They have beaches, fresh air, and trees. Most importantly, I’m getting a husband I like and permission to have as many children as I want. Krylon males aren’t like our men. They mate for life, instead of jumping from one woman to the next.”
The old man snorted. “That’s the bullshit they tell foolish young girls to get you on their ship. Mark my word, it’ll be a different story once they get you home.”
“Instead of protesting and tearing our world apart over this, why don’t you insist on being appointed a neutral observer o
r something like that?”
The older man rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “That’s a real nice offer. Unfortunately, I think I’m gonna take you instead. I got a plan in action already and you’d be a good addition to it.”
Rose took a step backwards only to bump into yet two more of the group. Rough hands grabbed her, forcing her into a long hallway. She tried to remember the markings as they pulled her through the huge underground maze. She soon realized that one sector looked much like the next and she suspected they were intentionally being confusing to cover their tracks.
Rose fought when the two men crammed her into a small janitorial closet in some obscure part of the city. Sitting with her arms wrapped around her legs, she almost gagged on the foul-smelling cleaning products. Her hand suddenly went to her upper arm. Instead of her communicator, she only found the small empty holster that strapped it to her body. They must have snatched it when they grabbed her.
She sat in the darkness for hours until the door creaked open again. Strong arms reached for her, yanking her out and onto her feet. One of the men grabbed her by the back of the neck and walked her to what appeared to be a public restroom. However, a quick look around told her it was in an older, abandoned part of the city structure. The few people milling around were clearly party to her abduction. After the briefest chance to use the toilet and wash her hands, she was jerked away again. Someone shoved a package into her hands and forced her back into the closet. Sitting down, she opened the package and discovered food bars inside. They tasted nasty but she ate them to live.
This same scenario was repeated day after day, with very little variation and no one bothering to speak to her. She felt like an inanimate object being processed. It was degrading. In her darkest hour, she reminded herself that at least the women and children had made it out and she was still breathing. Rather than being grateful to still be alive, she could feel the darkness closing in.
Just when she began to lose all hope of being rescued, the door flew open one more time. She faced the same shabby rag-tag bunch of malcontents, however they were now clean and dressed up. Dread crept forward from the far recesses of her mind. This couldn’t be a good thing.
Celestial Mates Complete Series Box Set (Books 1-5) (Alien SciFi Romance) Page 5
