by Jana Downs
“Well, Payne isn’t like that.” Alec paused. “Why didn’t I know this?”
His father shrugged. “Because there was never a reason to tell you about her. Your mother and I have been together, happily, for almost thirty years now, and it never came up. It wasn’t her fault I sent her back to the Facility for a new placement. It’s the nature of a Vessel. It’s the shifter bit of them.”
“The what bit?” Alec asked. He frowned.
His father rolled his eyes, his annoyance level clearly rising. He hated repeating himself more than anything else. “The shifter part. Have you never read your full mockup of their DNA patterns?”
“Why would I ever read all that?” Alec asked dryly. “For Christ’s sake, Dad, I’m not a masochist. The book of Vessels that outlines their construction, education, and birth process is over four hundred pages long.”
Father shoved himself to his feet. “I can’t help it if you paper-pushing types don’t read what I send you. Hold on. I’ll get it. I can’t say it better than I wrote it.” He went over to his wall of books. The man was obsessed with hardcopies of everything. He pulled the massive tome from the wall and put it on his desk, flipping through the pages like he’d done it a thousand times. He probably had.
“Here,” he said about midway through the book. “Come read. It’ll save me some time and effort re-educating you on what you should already know.”
Alec sighed and pushed himself to his feet. His father couldn’t just tell him about it. Nope. Instead he had to sit him down like a schoolkid and give him reading material. He turned the book toward him as he sat down in his father’s desk chair. He spent the next several moments reading.
“You spliced their DNA with the DNA of ‘animorphical hybridized Homo sapiens.’ What the hell does that mean?” Alec asked when he finished.
His father took his time opening a chocolate bar wrapped in aluminum foil before answering. “It means that my team of researchers and myself tracked down and obtained pure strands of shape-shifter DNA in order to use it as a base for a Vessel. Vessels mate the same way that shifters do for that reason. We disabled their ability to physically transform from one form to another, though. It was determined to be too messy and dangerous for the owner. If a Vessel imprints on the owner, then the owner gets a ready-made mate with a bond that is almost impossible to break. The personality alignment guides the Vessel’s internal instincts toward mating with his or her chosen owner, but it’s not an exact science.”
“Shifters haven’t been around for almost a thousand years, Dad,” Alec reminded, frowning. This sounded like some Frankenstein-type science out of a fiction novel. “They were subsequently bred out by the turn of the century. Mating with humans and mixing their bloodlines eventually caused the gene that enabled them to morph into another form to disappear from the gene pool. There are only traces of that heritage left.”
“Ah, but the remote populations in South America and parts of Russia remained intact,” Father said, a bemused look on his face. “It took a little convincing, but we managed to make them all right with giving us some blood and tissue samples to work with. As soon as I was able to replicate the genes, Vessels were a done deal. The science is fascinating.”
“I bet.” He really disliked when his father talked about people like they were specimens. He shouldn’t have been so offended, though. He talked that way about everyone, man, woman, child, human, Vessel, or animal. “So Vessels essentially mate bond with their owners?”
Father nodded. “Yes. That’s why they have to meet at least ten points on the criteria list. Any less than ten and the personality alignment won’t take. I’m glad you think your Vessel has imprinted on you. I’d like to have him come down to the lab and make doubly sure before you get thoroughly committed though, just in case. He is one of the most spirited Vessels I’ve ever seen. But then again, you’re one of the most stubborn creatures on the planet as well.” The jab didn’t go unnoticed.
I need to get him off the subject. “So what are the initial reports coming in from the incident with the bodies in the river?”
Pain flickered across the old man’s face. “They’re Vessels. Some of them were labeled defective for the program, but there is no reason for them to have ended up in the river.”
Alec quickly told him everything that Payne had shared with him about the Facility, and the more he spoke, the more white-faced his father got. “It’s possible that someone at the Facility is committing these crimes,” Father allowed, his voice tight. “I’ll start another internal investigation.”
“I think we need to get an outside investigations team together,” Alec said. “If it is internal, then it only makes sense that they would have ways to circumvent Facility inquiries.”
“That’s a good point. I’ll make a call.”
He churned the information he had over in his head as his father took out his tablet and began pulling up numbers and sending e-mails. “Father?”
“Hmm?”
He took a deep breath, knowing his father’s initial reaction would be to get pissed. “We need to talk about reworking the current system of education and chemical suggestion programming we use. Vessels are people, not animals or toys.”
The older Mr. Kane raised his head, and their eyes met. “You’re stepping out of line, boy. I don’t market them like animals or toys. I market them as companions, though we emphasize the ‘pleasure’ aspect in a lot of ways. This is a business. To a certain degree, I have to be able to market them to clients. Our cliental is largely male. I can’t market love to them even if that’s what I’m giving them. Besides, I highly doubt the training is as harsh as Payne seems to think it is. I didn’t design it that way. Though my official reports recently have noted an abnormal amount of shifter behavior, which is why I had to approve a more rigid structure in order to maintain their humanity.” He frowned. “It’s for their health as well as their long-term happiness.”
“Well…” Alec swallowed. “Maybe this shouldn’t be a business. There are innocent people suffering because we have defined Vessels as a commodity, a possession.”
His father whipped around and advanced on him. “Don’t tell me what we define them as. I built this company from the ground up and have spent millions of dollars and countless hours training the beings we create. I even took the time to splice their DNA with those of shifters so that I knew when they were compatible, it meant they were mated. I screen clients extensively and reject those who don’t meet our vigorous standards. I’ve done everything to ensure the health and well-being of my Vessels. If you are implying that something that I have done or failed to do is the reason behind this massacre, I wholeheartedly disagree.”
“Dad, I’m not attacking you. I’m telling you that some Vessels are miserable. There has to be an element of choice that doesn’t lead them to either hard labor or being dumped in a river like a bit of trash,” Alec said, steeling himself for another round of arguments. The old man was stubborn, but so was he. He had to see reason where Vessels were concerned. He kicked himself for never having looked closer at the details of the business he’d done marketing on in some form or fashion since he’d been a senior in high school. Maybe he could’ve prevented this situation entirely.
“Pleasure Vessels need a strict hierarchy to thrive. It is proven that their animal instincts require a certain amount of rigidity—”
“Do they also need internal triggers to punish them? Come on, Dad. We both know that it’s for the convenience of the client that they have personality alignments or correctional nano triggers. When we get to the bottom of this horrible incident, we’re going to have to make some changes. Would you perform a personality alignment on Mom?”
Father’s face reddened. “Of course not. It would be unnecessary!”
“Then why would you do it to someone else?” Alec asked. Silence met his question, so he pressed forward. “Is it fair to say that the educational and training parts of the Facility implemented the protocols that
I have issues with?”
“They did the research. They said it was necessary,” Father defended, looking uneasy for the first time since they began the conversation.
“Well, I think it would be a good idea for us to go through the training protocol and see if that is actually true,” Alec said gently. “The public is going to demand answers, and we don’t want the Department of Civil Liberties to get up in arms over our methodologies.”
Father nodded. “That is true. All right. I’m going to call a halt to all training for Facilities in North America. The European one just opened, so it doesn’t even have Vessels yet, correct?”
Alec nodded.
“Good. We’ll just have them have a two-week suspension of operations there with pay to keep them happy. I need you to contact some psychologists, animorphologists, and some top educators to confer on what a good environment and curriculum for our Vessels are. Set it up for next week.”
Alec’s eyes widened. “It’s not really my area of expertise—”
“You are the one who claims that the Vessels are being inappropriately treated,” Father interrupted, leveling a stern look at him. “You are the one who will head up the restructuring of our company. Other than the news conferences, you’ll be refocused permanently on the new department of Vessel mental and physical well-being.”
“Our company?”
“Son, it was always my intention that you take over on a permanent basis someday. The initiative you’ve shown in this situation leads me to believe that you are ready. I think having a Vessel around has matured you a bit. It’s only been a few days, but I can see his influence on you.” The fact that his father sounded impressed floored him. His father was never impressed by what Alec did. Most of the time he barely acknowledged he did any work at all.
Alec cleared his throat. “Well, thank you, Dad. Do you think it would be appropriate for me to bring Payne on as a Vessel advisor?”
Father pulled a pack of gum from his pocket and extracted two sticks. “I believe that would be fine. You could use your mother for all I care. The entire unit will be your responsibility. I’ll expect updates of course, but for the most part it will be entirely up to you how to run the new department.”
Alec hoped Payne would be pleased with this new change of events. Which reminded him…“Do you happen to have the Facility number where Payne is from on your phone? I promised him I’d check on his sister for him.”
“He formed an attachment to a sibling?” Father asked.
Alec nodded. “They’re quite close from what I understand. I was thinking about buying her if she’s still available. Payne would like that, I think.”
“Spoiled rotten,” Father rumbled under his breath just loud enough for Alec to hear. But the edges of his lips twitched as if he were fighting a smile. Louder he said, “Do what you like. The number for the Facility should be in the directory on my desk.”
Alec got the number and dialed.
* * * *
Alec had to force himself not to run down the hallway. He couldn’t wait to get back to Payne.
“Sweetheart,” he called, all but skipping down the hall. His surprise was the surprise to end all surprises. Payne was going to have purple kittens when he found out.
The door to his mother’s study swung open, and Alec was surprised when Payne all but threw himself into his arms.
“Well, hi there,” Alec said, grinning.
Payne snuggled into his arms and held him tightly. “You were gone forever,” he murmured. “Your mother is a gem, though. I love her.”
“I won’t be gone again for a while, I promise.” Alec kissed him before he thought better of it. “I’m very happy you’re getting on with my mother. My father is looking into the Facility matter personally, and he said to thank you for your information. We’re also starting a new division at the Facility that is for the betterment of Vessels. I hope you will consider advising me on it since Father put me in charge of it.”
Payne’s eyes widened. “You listened to me.”
“Of course I did. You were adamant, and I hate the idea of people suffering at the hands of an organization that I am so closely tied to. I gave you my word, and I intend to keep it,” Alec said, squeezing his lover tighter. He was well on his way to falling for the brilliant and yet fragile man in his arms.
His mother stepped from the Green Room and into the hallway. “I like the two of you together. I’d imagined it in my head since you were both small, but I didn’t do it justice.”
“I’m glad you like the picture, Mom. I had hoped you two were getting along.” Alec was very pleased with the fact. “You think Joey will like him?”
She smiled. “He might try to steal him. He’s a beauty, in body and in mind.”
Payne looked both pleased and embarrassed by their compliments. “Enough about me all ready.”
Alec laughed. “All right. We’ll stop. I think I’m going to drag my lover off for a nap before supper, Mom. Would you excuse us?”
She waved them on, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Go on. I’ll go down to the study and see if I can rouse your father from his study.”
“I’ll see you later then,” Alec said, steering his Vessel toward his old bedroom. The sound of her heels echoed down the wood floor as she headed in the opposite direction toward the stairs. “Now you’ll get to see my old set of rooms.”
The whispered words sparked a grin from Payne. “I get to see where you grew up. That should be an interesting view of you. I got reports when I was younger, but seeing it in person is going to be fun.”
“Was I the only person in this family who didn’t get reports?” Alec asked.
Payne winked. “I was a surprise, remember?”
Alec gave him a firm pinch to his backside. “I remember. You tired?”
“I could definitely do with that nap you were talking about.”
“I was hoping you would be. Today has been emotionally trying already, and I imagine I’ll have to do a few more press conferences before the week is out.” He pulled him over to the left side of the hallway where the entrance to his room was.
His door was significantly less ornate than his mother’s had been, but it was still the same heavy oak. He turned the knob and pushed it open.
* * * *
Payne was looking forward to sleeping for a few hours. He seemed to have gotten surprisingly little since leaving the Facility. Between the driving, the lovemaking, and the waking up in the middle of the night, he was pretty damn tired. This napping thing wasn’t enough to sustain a body. Speaking of bodies…
“So what news of the Vessels? They were Vessels, right?” Payne asked. His stomach twisted at the thought. “And my sister? Is she all right?”
“They were Vessels. We still don’t know what happened. And your sister is fine.” Alec answered all his questions as he pushed open the heavy door.
Immediately, the smell of jasmine assaulted his nostrils. The permeation of the scent wasn’t unpleasant. It was lovely. The room was a deep navy blue with white and lighter-blue trim. It seemed to be in a sailing theme. There were countless sketches framed on the walls and a couple models on the shelves. The hardwood floor had a blue-and-white circular rug thrown on it, and the massive canopy bed had matching draperies.
“I didn’t know you liked boats,” Payne murmured. “There was nothing in your file that said you did. I had all your favorite foods and hobbies. But nothing about boats.”
Alec chuckled. “That’s because it was a silly obsession that neither of my parents wanted me to pursue. I was a little fanatical about ships and sailing when I was younger. I guess until I was about sixteen I told them both I was going to sail around the world and leave the company to rot.”
“Why didn’t you go sailing then?” Payne asked, walking further into the room. There was a desk and chair pushed to the back of the room by the bay of windows. The room was as large as the entire barrack at the Facility where he and seventeen other Vessels had sl
ept. The two bookshelves beside what looked like the closet door was an evolution of age. The children’s books were thin and colorful and took up the top selves, and from there the books got older until he reached the bottom shelf which was lined with old college text books. He’d expected Alec to live in a room like this.
“Honestly?” Alec asked. “My dad is terrified of the ocean. His cousins and uncle sunk their yacht in the Caribbean and drowned. He wouldn’t let me anywhere near a boat.”
“Hmm, you shouldn’t let that ruin your dream. Maybe we could go sailing one day. We could, um, learn together. Or something.” Was that out of line? He wasn’t entirely sure. He was still a little awkward when it came to giving his opinions or making suggestions, but he was getting there.
“I’d like that,” Alec said, unbuttoning his shirt. “I think my parents still keep some clothes in the armoire if you want to change out of your business casual.”
“I’ll get them out if you want to strip down,” Payne offered. He went over to the armoire and opened up the top drawer and found it full of company T-shirts. “Where did our suitcases run off to?”
Alec motioned over to the closet. “They probably hung everything up in the closet, but I didn’t want to dirty any of the clothes I’m going to have to take home and wash if I can help it.”
“Good point.” Payne was not a fan of doing laundry. At the Facility each Vessel had been in charge of doing it once a week at a designated time. Payne had always talked Desiree into doing his load because he always seemed to end up with clothes four sizes too small and then get punished for it.
Even though they ended up naked, neither one seemed inclined to shift their minds toward lusty thoughts. Payne was just too tired from lack of sleep and high anxiety from press events and the news of his fellow Vessels being discarded in a river like bits of trash. He imagined that Alec felt the same.
They climbed beneath the covers of his blue-and-white sheets and Payne couldn’t help but feel a little shy over the fact. He’d been given his own room. He should in theory be rambling off to his own space. However, this big, cold house in combination with the chilling news of the Vessels left him feeling very much in need of some hardcore snuggling.
