Trained by the Alien

by Maggie Carpenter

“Yes, Abby, soon,” he promised, smiling down at her from the screen. “Enjoy yourself. That is all.”

  “I’m finally going to see this ship, and without worrying about monsters lurking around every corner. Fantastic. I’d better get dressed.”

  “Good idea. I’m not sure wandering around in your bathrobe is the best first impression you can offer,” Minerva said with a grin.

  “I wish I had more clothes.”

  “That can be arranged, but in the meantime, would you like a suit like mine?”

  “It’s so tight on you,” Abby remarked, looking her up and down. “It’s very sexy, but isn’t it uncomfortable?”

  “Not at all.”

  “Uh, no, I saw a pair of jeans and a sweater in that cabinet. I’ll wear those. Uh, Minerva, can I ask you something?”

  “Of course.”

  “Who exactly is Zaroff? I know he’s the commander of this ship, but outside of that, is he important?”

  “Yes, Zaroff is very important and highly respected.”

  “He seems young to be in charge the way he is.”

  “He has lived for many Earth years, but we have a way of metabolizing that slows the aging process. If you accept the ruler, you will benefit from that too.”

  “You’re kidding? You mean I’ll have the fountain of youth?”

  “That’s one way of putting it.”

  “Oh, my gosh. Talk about dreams coming true.”

  “We still age, but Zaroff would prefer to explain much of this himself, assuming it becomes necessary.”

  “You mean, if I stay.”

  “Yes, Abby, if you stay.”

  Moving into the bathroom, Abby could feel her mind start to spin again. She knew nothing about life on Rathe. She knew nothing about Zaroff except what her heart told her, and she knew nothing about the ruler.

  “Minerva is right. Overthinking isn’t going to tell me anything. I need to get through the stupid presentation and take it from there.”

  But as she spoke, she knew there was no way she’d pass up such a tantalizing and thrilling adventure. If there was a way she could stay with Zaroff, she would.

  Chapter Twenty

  Fascinated by the pod passage, but a little wary, holding Cosmo with both arms, she followed Minerva into the compact compartment and settled in, but the swift, noiseless ride took her breath away.

  “It’s moving so fast,” she exclaimed, clutching Cosmo tightly. “Are you sure it’s safe?”

  “Of course it’s safe,” Minerva assured her. “These pod passages are all over the ship. We’d be lost without them.”

  “It’s so quiet. What makes it run?”

  “Energy.”

  Though inclined to ask what type of energy and why it made no sound, she changed her mind and tried to enjoy the ride. As the pod slowed to a stop, stepping out she found her legs were wobbly, but as they walked into a large open area resembling some kind of lobby, her attention was quickly snatched away. Ratheons were everywhere. Males and females alike were muscled, tall, and attractive, their tight suits leaving little to the imagination. Though she was self-conscious in her jeans and shirt, they didn’t pay her any particular attention, just nodded and smiled as they passed.

  “Minerva, I thought they’d stare at me.”

  “Didn’t Zaroff tell you we have humans on Rathe, and quite a few here on the ship?”

  “He did, but I didn’t expect to see so many people, sorry, Ratheons. Is the area I’ve been staying in off limits? I’ve never seen anyone in the passage outside the chamber.”

  “The observation deck is reached by a pod, so there’s no reason to walk through there, and the command center itself is restricted.”

  “The alliance headquarters, is it like this?”

  “No, not at all. This ship is a diplomatic carrier and actually quite small. The alliance headquarters is like a city. You’ll be able to see it as we approach. It houses a population of each of the member planets,” Minerva explained, moving through an opening and following a hall lit with amber light. “I’m taking you to the officers’ quarters. We can eat there.”

  “Won’t Ratheon food make me sick?”

  “There are some items you should avoid, but on the whole you should have no problems.”

  “There’s so much I don’t understand.”

  “If you stay you’ll be told everything.”

  “By the ruler?”

  “Yes, by the ruler. Once you know our history you’ll realize why you’re so important.”

  “I’m dying to know.”

  “The nourishment center is just in here,” she said, leading her through a large, arched opening. “You can put Cosmo down. He’ll stay with us.”

  “I like holding him.”

  “I know what you mean. There’s something very soothing about furrbits. Here we are. A nourishment center, or as you would say, a restaurant.”

  “Why is everything glossy? And what are those large cones in the middle of the tables?”

  “The meal you choose arrives in those. We are meticulous about food preparation and the areas in which we eat.”

  “But a furrbit is allowed?”

  “Furrbits don’t carry bacteria like your animals on Earth,” she replied, moving to a table. “Please, sit down. I’ll help you order.”

  * * *

  Keeping tabs on them from the command center, Zaroff couldn’t have been more pleased. With her long red hair and bright blue eyes, Abby was exceptionally attractive, and he could see the approval on the faces of those she passed. While they were warm and inviting to any guest, their eyes shone with admiration. And he was proud of Abby. She was taking everything in stride, not overtly staring at the muscular Ratheons in their form-fitting clothes, and her happy smile radiated sincerity.

  “I should have known you’d handle your introduction well,” he muttered. “Now it’s time for the key part of your tour. Keon, are there any pressing matters regarding the Faylins? Does Commander Sinjin have everything in hand?”

  “Everything is moving ahead extremely well, sir,” Keon replied. “The Faylins are overjoyed by our presence and they’ve welcomed the commander and his crew. The atmosphere isn’t healthy though. They have to wear the masks.”

  “I’m sure. Were you aware the Faylins were so adaptable, Keon?”

  “I know very little about them, sir, but reptiles are known for their ability to adjust to their environment.”

  “How about Kera?” Zaroff asked, hoping the brave female Faylin had recovered from her ordeal.

  “She’s resting. When the events on Fay began to settle she begged for a cool, dark corner where she could sleep.”

  “The poor creature must be exhausted. When is the Faylin ship picking her up?”

  “Very soon, sir.”

  “If she leaves before I return, please tell her I wish her the very best,” Zaroff said, rising from his chair, “and if she ever needs me she must get in touch. I’m going to join Minerva and Abby in the officers’ nourishment center.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Making his way to the officers’ quarters, Zaroff avoided the pod passage and strode through the maze of corridors. He enjoyed the long walk, and he liked to be seen. Not only did it keep the crew on their toes, Keon could be overly protective, and walking amongst them made him accessible. Moving through the wide, arched opening into the dining area, spotting Abby across the room, an unexpected surge of joy rippled through his heart.

  “Zaroff, what a wonderful surprise,” Abby exclaimed as he sat down. “I’m so pleased you’re here.”

  “Hello, Abby. What do you think of our nourishment center?”

  “The way you order the food and how it’s served is amazing.”

  “Very different to the procedure on Earth. Hello, Minerva.”

  “Hello, sir.”

  “Have you two eaten yet?”

  “I had the roasted fowl,” Abby replied. “It was delicious. When the door opened on the cone and I reached in to t
ake the plate, the food was steaming hot, but the dish was barely warm. I’d love to know how it all works.”

  “I don’t have time to take you to the food preparation area, but I will during another visit. Do you want anything else?”

  “No, thank you. Are you going to have something?”

  “Not at the moment. I’m here to collect you. I’ll be finishing the tour. Minerva, when you return to the chamber, will you please make it ready for the pleasure zone testing.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Dare I ask what that is?” Abby said warily.

  “It is exactly what it sounds like, and I promise it won’t hurt a bit. Bring your little furrbit and come with me.”

  “Thanks, Minerva,” Abby said, rising to her feet. “I really enjoyed this.”

  “My pleasure. I’ll see you back at the chamber.”

  “Zaroff, where are we going?” Abby asked as they moved toward an exit on the opposite side of the room. “And why is everyone staring at you, or are they staring at me? They weren’t when I came in. It must be you.”

  “They didn’t know you were here as the ruler’s potential bride, but now I’m escorting you, they do. You’re of great interest.”

  “Is it bad that I’m dressed in jeans?”

  “No, not at all.”

  “You still haven’t told me where you’re taking me.”

  “To the ruler’s chambers.”

  “What? Why?”

  “You need to see how the ruler lives,” he replied, turning down a hallway with a domed ceiling and soft red flooring. “You need to know what you’ll be walking away from if you turn him down.”

  “It won’t make any difference.”

  “Be that as it may, you still need to know.”

  “This passage is beautiful. Why is there no one down here?”

  “They can’t gain entry.”

  “But we didn’t go through any openings.”

  “The key, for lack of a better word, is in my sleeve. Without it a metal wall would have fallen in front of us, then and behind us when we entered. We would have been trapped until the officers arrived.”

  “That’s some security.”

  “We’re in his quarters. Security is essential. I’m taking you into the sleeping suite. Are you ready?” he asked, turning to face the paneled wall.

  “Is this it?”

  “This is the entrance.”

  “What is it I need to be ready for?”

  “I think it might surprise you.”

  “Nothing new there,” she quipped, rolling her eyes. “I don’t think I’ll be surprised by anything at this point. Interested and fascinated maybe, but not surprised.”

  “Then we shall continue!” he declared, sweeping his hand in the air.

  Two panels slid apart, and as Abby walked in she caught her breath. The sumptuous room was unlike anything she’d ever seen. The bed was massive, with billowing curtains falling from a mirrored canopy, and was opposite a huge window looking into space, though it could just as easily have been a dark, moonless night on Earth. Scattered pedestals boasted ornate carvings and golden statues, and a conversation pit with couches and chairs sat around a large fireplace.

  “This is like something I’d find in a castle on Earth,” she exclaimed, “except for the window, of course. You were right. It’s not what I expected at all.”

  “As I told you, Earth and Rathe are like cousins. If you accept the ruler’s proposal, assuming he makes one, this is the bedroom you will share. You will also have a full-time assistant to take care of your every need. You will want for nothing.”

  “Good grief. What exactly does being his wife entail?”

  “Serving him, traveling with him, being a loyal and devoted wife. Most importantly, bearing his children and raising them with love and positive nurturing.”

  “Can I do that? Become pregnant from a Ratheon?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Why would he choose a human? Can you tell me now?”

  “I can, Abby. Many generations past, a Ratheon male fell in love with a human female, and to their shock she fell pregnant. Researchers discovered the couple shared a rare gene that made them compatible. They were terrified the child would be impaired or handicapped, but the infant was exceptional and grew into a brilliant physicist. Was it chance or design? An endlessly asked question, but as time passed we came to understand certain Ratheons and certain humans carry this gene. To bear a gifted baby the Ratheon must be male and the human female. These offspring are our most brilliant scientists, military leaders, artists, and so on. They are the elite among us, but they are also generous, and carry loving hearts. They are revered by the population. You, Abby, are one of the few human females to carry this very precious gene.”

  A chill pricked her skin.

  “I think I need to sit down.”

  “Understandable,” he murmured, guiding her to the closest chair. “The ruler is obviously one of the prodigious few, and if you accept each other, your children will be gifted.”

  “How do you know I have the gene?”

  “It is generally found in humans with reddish hair and blue eyes, but your academic aptitude is also an indicator. Haven’t you always felt a little different, Abby? As though you see things others don’t, and have a sexual appetite different from the norm?”

  “Uh, I suppose, but Zaroff, how long have you been watching me?”

  “We follow family trees, but only a handful prove to be—”

  “You’re avoiding my question. How long?”

  “I’m not avoiding your question, I’m giving you information the way it needs to be given. Do you want to hear it?”

  “Yes, please. Sorry.”

  “Your great-grandmother carried the gene,” he continued. “It skipped your grandmother, mother, and your sister, but it didn’t skip you. From a very early age it became evident you were unique. You excelled at everything you did, your mind allowed you to see all sides to a problem, and as a young woman your internet explorations into BDSM were—”

  “Basically you’ve been spying on me my entire life!”

  “Not me, specifically, but naturally you were of great interest to the Ratheon leaders when you were born, then later to me, as I matured.”

  “So others spied, then you took over. Is that supposed to make me feel better?” she asked, her voice rising. “Spying is spying.”

  “Observing, Abby. There’s a difference.”

  “What kind of difference? Watching, observing, spying, it’s all the same!”

  “Spying infers evil intent. There was nothing evil in our hearts. Abby, your feelings are understandable, but—”

  “Don’t patronize me. I feel like a lab rat.”

  “No, Abby, you are—”

  “I should have known. If something seems too good to be true, it usually is. I’m a breeding cow, that’s how you see me. I’m just some animal to give you perfect—”

  “Stop! Abby, don’t you understand? You will be cherished, you are cherished. I care for you deeply.”

  “But you’re going to hand me off to your king so I can produce an heir.”

  “Yes, he is a king, and yes, he does need a human female with the gene to produce children to carry on the line of talented Ratheons, but this is a blessing for you both. “

  “What about you, Zaroff? You’re obviously one of those with the gene too, you must be. You’re exceptional, right?”

  “Yes, Abby, I have the gene.”

  “So why does the ruler get to pick me first? This is gross.”

  “Abby, you know you can refuse him. Please calm yourself. We’re getting off the point.”

  “This is bullshit. You snatched me away to breed for you,” she muttered, dropping her eyes to the floor. “Good grief.”

  A moment of heavy silence fell between them, then suddenly, he grabbed her wrist, pulled her to her feet, and clutched her hair.

  “You know I have come to care for you deeply, but your
rude, insulting diatribe is extremely disappointing. I shall take you back to the chamber, and you need not worry about any further testing. It appears I was mistaken. You’re not fit to sit beside the ruler after all, and apparently, speaking to me as you just did, you don’t care for me as you claim.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Zaroff’s threat of rejection sent a streak of panic through Abby’s heart. She didn’t want to return to Earth. Not yet! Her adventure was just beginning. His lavender eyes darkened, then suddenly his lips were on hers, crushing, demanding, filled with an urgent hunger. Her knees grew weak, and throwing her arms around his neck she fervently kissed him back, pressing her body against his as her desire unexpectedly raged.

  “You light a fire in me,” he said breathlessly as he finally pulled back. “A fire I didn’t know I possessed.”

  “I’m sorry I yelled,” she panted. “I am, truly, but the thought of being watched like that—it’s very upsetting.”

  “How else were we to know if you carry the gene? We must follow the lineage. The future of our race depends upon women like you.”

  “What about love?”

  “Strong sexual attraction and deep affection between partners is necessary to ensure a long and happy partnership. That’s why you and the ruler must both accept each other if any union is to take place.”

  “I think you’re describing love, aren’t you?”

  “What you humans call being in love can cause rash decisions. For those without the gene, like the keeper, who have a lower mental aptitude and little ambition, they can take chances and give into their impulses, but those of us who carry the gene are taught to stave off heavy emotion. Our responsibility is too great to risk surrendering reason.”

  “You said you cared about me,” she said, her lips still tingling from his passionate kiss, “and I know that’s true, I can feel it.”

  “More than I can express, certainly more than I expected,” he said as he released her and stepped back, “but this is a clear example of how dangerous it can be to let feelings run amok. It could interfere with this entire enterprise.”

  “I’ve already told you I will not accept the ruler. How can I be with anyone from a single meeting?”