“You thought you were never going to get a bride?”
“Worse than that. We thought that the council had tricked us. You see, many of the brides that arrived had been assigned to warriors that ranked higher than the Skrammon class. Traeger and a few other members of our unit believed we were being denied the opportunity to be matched.”
“Because of your classification?” Maggie supplied, her voice more understanding than he would have expected.
Taking a drink from the bottle he had offered her earlier, Hix steeled himself to continue. The shame he felt at what he had believed made him feel sick to his stomach. “Yes. It was something I had not even contemplated until Traeger insisted that it was so. He was certain we were not only being lied to, but also used as pawns to protect the elite while gaining nothing for ourselves.”
“So, you just decided to quit?”
“It was a bit more complicated than that but yes, I decided to quit.”
Maggie watched him for a moment, her expression blank, leaving him unable to see what she was thinking.
“The Verge welcomed us into their fold after our defection.” Hix fiddled with the leather band around his wrist, remembering a time when his Phaeton band was a welcome presence in its stead. “I was a fool not to see the differences between the Phaeton and Verge…many of us were.”
“Differences?”
“While the Phaeton searched for a way to continue on our race with compatible females, the Verge believe that cloning is still the best answer to our problems.”
Maggie held up her hand, halting his explanation with a confused look on her face. “So, they split off from the Phaetons just because they didn’t like the idea of marrying humans?”
“Yes…well, technically the original Verge were anti-human. Some, like myself, left after becoming disillusioned with the Phaeton way. We joined the original Verge members in the colony they established on Verge Prime.”
“What’s that?”
“This ship,” Hix replied, gesturing to the room she was being held in. “All Verge warriors live on this one war ship. It has been pieced together from other spacecraft that were salvaged over time. When I first arrived, I wondered how they were able to purchase such a large vessel considering we were asked for no other contribution than our skills after we arrived. If I had been a better warrior, I would have figured it out sooner…”
“What do you mean?”
“For the first few weeks after we arrived, both Traeger and I were assigned duties in the docking bay.” Hix looked around the room, and his stomach felt ill at the information he was about to share. “It was a surprise for us to be stationed in that area considering our primary duties had always been security. We guarded shipments or acted as private security for members of the council during diplomatic missions…our skills were underutilized by performing the manual labor assigned us in the bay. Despite my concerns, the assignment of loading and unloading large pallets of crates off and on the shuttles became our daily labor.”
“What was in them?”
Hix couldn’t hide his surprise at her question and it must have shown on his face.
Maggie tilted her head and asked, “What?”
“Within minutes you have voiced the one question that took me weeks to even consider.”
“So…what were they?” Maggie asked and nudged his arm when he didn’t answer. Catching her fingers in his hand, he squeezed hoping that she wouldn’t judge him too harshly for what he was about to tell her.
“I did not know.” Hix shrugged his big shoulders, feeling again the massive weight of the situation upon them. “Traeger did not know what was in them either. The difference between the two of us was that I wanted to find out. I knew that whatever was contained inside them was valuable considering that even though we are trained guards, there was extra security assigned every time the pallets were handled. They were large and heavy, and wrapped so securely that there was no guessing what could have been inside. Soon, we were all curious. Many of the men thought they contained weapons…possibly a technology that was being sold to different factions in the galaxy or even to your country’s enemies on Earth.”
“Oh my god.” Maggie drew in a deep breath and clutched her hands in front of her chest, the idea obviously upsetting her.
“It was not until we accidently damaged one of the tarps wrapped around the pallet that we finally found out, or at least had a hint, of what they could be.”
“You guys broke one open?”
“Not on purpose…but we did manage to tear the outer covering open enough to see the crates inside.”
“Wait…it was a pallet loaded with crates?” Maggie asked.
Hix nodded. “The outer shell shielded a pod of six smaller containers that were strapped together.”
“And you saw what was in the boxes inside?”
Hix nodded. “The pallet had been on a hover-lift that was steered by one of the other warriors. Like we had a dozen times before, one warrior would operate the controls while others flanked the box to call out directions for loading. It was simply a matter of moving it from one shuttle and loading it onto the next shuttle assigned.”
“And what happened?”
“Traeger called out the wrong direction for steering and the front corner caught the docking platform between ships. At first, we did not realize that the covering had been torn and proceeded to move to the assigned shuttle for loading. It was not until I was preparing the straps to secure it on board that I saw the inside contained six separate active biometric units.”
“Wait…wait…biometric units? You mean they held something that was alive?”
Chapter Four
“Yes, they contained life,” Hix answered, his tone solemn. “I attempted to get a better glimpse of the bio screens that were illuminated but I was interrupted when I heard one of the guards coming onto the shuttle to check on our progress. I quickly flipped the torn tarp back into place and pretended I was simply securing the straps.”
Maggie felt sick at what she was hearing. Literally physically ill.
“What was in the container, Hix?” Maggie asked, her voice shaking as her stomach rolled.
“You have to believe that we didn’t know what the Verge had planned.”
Maggie closed her eyes and leaned back, waiting for him to answer the question still ringing in her head. “What was in the crates?”
“At that point I still was unsure.” Hix’s eyes took on a faraway look as he sank back into his memories. “I spoke to Traeger and a few of the others, explaining what I had seen. A few of them seemed concerned, but a couple of them were merely curious about the cargo. Traeger said he was going to approach the Verge leaders and ask for an explanation. When he came back, he explained that the Verge were dealing in items sold on the black market in the Pleasure Sector.”
“Black market where?” Maggie asked. She had never heard of such as place as a Pleasure Sector.
“The Pleasure Sector is a string of planets in a nearby solar system that is named for what it provides. The main planet, Euphoria has markets for spices, fabric, brothels… anything that you could ever want. The sector has visitors from all over the galaxy shuttling in and out for trade,” he explained.
“What kind of items are sold on the black market?” Maggie could only imagine what the answer would be. Guns? Drugs? The possibilities were endless.
“Very restricted items,” Hix hedged before a look of disgust shrouded his features. “The illegal sales thrive right under the Phaetons’ watchful eyes. You see, the Phaetons’ place in our galaxy has always been one of power and authority. We police the planets as much as we are able, keeping a fair and consistent handle on the factions living there. We do not rule. Instead, we simply keep them from destroying themselves. Over time, restrictions have been placed on the trade of certain items…usually for safety. Weapons, both physical and biological are restricted for obvious reasons. Animal and plant life are closely watched to avoid contami
nation of healthy ecosystems. Slave trade outside of the black market is almost extinct with only a few factions still using indentured servants. Overall, we had assumed that our mission was being accomplished.”
“And now?”
“Now, I know differently.”
Maggie watched as Hix balled his hands into fists, the clench of his fingers so tight they were turning white with the tension.
“What was in the crates, Hix?” Maggie asked again, feeling as though her stomach was in her throat.
“Humans,” Hix answered, his voice heavy with emotion. “The crates contained human females.”
Maggie jumped to her feet. Her earlier aches and pains were completely forgotten at the bomb just dropped in her lap. “Oh my god. Why are we sitting here then? We need to help those women.”
She was already on her way to the door when Hix gripped her shoulders from behind, pulling her to a sudden stop. Knocking his hands away, Maggie couldn’t help but feel frantic at the news he had shared.
“Calm, Maggie,” Hix hushed, moving his hands from her shoulders to rub up and down her arms. “I need you to stay calm and listen to me.”
She turned in his arms. Their embrace was intimate considering they had just met…and he had technically been one of her kidnappers. “We need to help them,” she said but resisted the urge to step more fully into his arms.
“We cannot.” Hix wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close enough that her nose touched the front of his shirt. “Listen to me,” he said just as she was about to argue. “They are gone.”
“Gone?” she parroted, vomit rising in her throat.
“The crates have already been transferred to their destination,” Hix said quickly, reading the look on her face. “As far as I know, they are still alive, but I do not know how long they will be safe.”
At the sound of boots moving down the corridor outside the door, Hix released her quickly. “You must lay back down. Hurry, they must not know that I released your bonds.” As he was giving her instructions, he quickly jammed the stack of papers back into his tunic.
Maggie was unable to do anything but stutter protests as Hix ushered her back to the cot and gently pushed her down. “What was in those folders?”
“We cannot talk about them now. It is not safe.”
“Wait—” she argued as he started quickly clicking the restraints closed.
“I cannot. I am sorry,” Hix cupped her cheek before pushing her hair back again. “No one must know we make plans. Do you understand me, Maggie? No one.”
“Okay.” Maggie tensed as the heavy boot steps stopped directly outside of her room. “I’m scared.”
Hix shook his head as he leaned over her, his hair hanging down, almost touching her face. “I will keep you safe. I vow it.”
“How?” she whispered.
“Stay silent. Stay still.” Straightening just in time not to be caught hovering over her form, Hix turned to face the door as it opened. Keeping his body beside the cot where it was pressed against the wall, his position blocked most of her body from the alien entering. “Traeger? What are you doing here?”
Hix’s friend sauntered in. The clomping of his boots seemed obscenely loud in the silent room. “I was wondering the same, Hix.”
Hix shrugged and gestured to Bodhi. “I was curious about the small animal. All of our vids say they are trustworthy companions and I wanted to interact with one while I had the chance.”
Traeger looked at Bodhi with disgust, screwing up what probably was a handsome face if you were able to discount the cold look in his eyes. “I do not see the point considering Kell will most likely kill it soon. In fact, I am surprised that he even had us bring it along.”
Maggie jerked at the mention of hurting her dog, but only managed to hold back her reaction when Hix tightened his hands into fists behind his back, showing his displeasure as well. “That would be a waste. Let me know if any decisions are made regarding the Earth creature.” When Traeger simply stared at Hix with a puzzled look on his face, Hix shrugged. “If his termination is being considered, I would prefer to take over care. I’ve always wanted a companion of my own.”
Traeger eyed Hix before dropping his gaze to where Maggie was peeking out from behind his legs. “Speaking of companions…”
Maggie saw Hix stiffen even further when his friend’s tone turned menacing as he eyed her. “She is not for you,” Hix stated deeply, his voice taking on a timbre that Maggie could only describe as hostile.
Traeger looked sharply at Hix and narrowed his eyes at the man who had become her body guard. “By whose authority? We took her, she belongs to us.”
“Traeger,” Maggie watched as Hix took a threatening step forward. The muscles in his arms bunched as he flexed with the motion. “You. Will. Not. Touch. The. Female.”
Traeger raised his hands in surrender, “Calm, Hix. I was just curious…the same curiosity that called you to her room as well.”
Maggie felt raw fear sink into her bones at the look Traeger cast her way. His words may have seemed innocent, but Maggie saw the look in the eyes of Hix’s friend.
“Let us leave. There is plenty of work to be done today.” Hix didn’t look at her again as he strode to the door, seemingly dismissing her without a second thought.
Traeger nodded. “Kell has been looking for you.”
Maggie watched as Hix stopped dead in his tracks. The news was obviously not something he was expecting to hear. Considering that Kell was the super douche that had nabbed her, Maggie was sure that whatever reason he had for looking for Hix wasn’t good.
“For what reason?” Hix continued his path to the door. Pausing, he motioned for Traeger to walk ahead of him out of the room.
Maggie started to breathe a sigh of relief as warrior exited without protest only to freeze when she heard his response.
“He wants our unit to run security for the next shipment of crates to the Pleasure Sector.”
Chapter Five
Hix heard the gasp of air that Maggie squeaked out just before the door to her makeshift jail cell closed. The Verge had placed Maggie in a barren room that was normally used for storage, placing a cot inside as the only piece of furniture. Since it was not a room intended for detention, there were no locks or bars to keep her caged, requiring the straps he’d rushed to refasten before they had been caught.
“What shipment?” Hix questioned. The information of a new shipment arriving startled him. Casting a glance back at the now closed door, he couldn’t help but wonder how he was going to not only save Maggie but also assist in freeing the other females.
“Kell said the docking bay is expecting a large shipment of crates that will be arriving within the next solar cycle.” Traeger said offhandedly, his attitude concerning the crates uncaring.
Hix stopped Traeger in the corridor with a firm grip on his elbow. “And what of the contents, Traeger? What did you find out from the Verge leaders regarding the contents?” he hissed. His tone left no question as to what he really meant.
“Our mission is security and delivery.” Traeger shot back and shook off Hix’s grip. “Do not question the Verge, Hix.”
“Do not question—” Hix sputtered, unable to believe what he was hearing from the man he considered a brother. “This is not the Phaeton way, Traeger.”
“We are no longer Phaetons, Hix.” Traeger said in a voice so void of emotion that Hix had to stop himself from recoiling in disgust. “We are Verge now and are so much more than the Phaetons will ever be. We will control this galaxy and spread to others with our numbers. No one, not even Phaetons, will be able to stop us.”
“Traeger—” Hix couldn’t believe what he was hearing. This was not the warrior he had fought beside since they left the training house. This was not the friend he trusted to watch his back on a mission. This was not the Traeger he knew.
When his old friend simply watched him with a cold face and dead eyes, Hix realized that he may have never known the true Traeger.
“No!” Traeger ground out, red rushing over his face and neck in anger. “You will no longer lead me about as if I am a child.”
“I have never—” Hix stepped back, shocked at the accusation.
“Kell has ordered that we guard and deliver the next shipment of crates and that is what will happen…even if I have to lead the team myself.”
Hix’s jaw felt as if it were about to crack with the tension that was running through his body. “Did you ask what was inside the crates, Traeger?”
“I did,” he bit out, his eyes glittering with an anger that Hix had never seen directed at him.
“And?” Hix probed, anxious to hear what had been said.
“It is as you suspected,” Traeger admitted briskly, devoid of emotion. “Our Prime leaders explained everything.”
Hix’s stomach turned. “What exactly did they explain?”
“Our need for resources to increase our battle fleet.” Traeger reached out and gripped Hix’s shoulder. “You know that if we want to overcome the Phaetons it will take more weapons and ships to do so. Our Prime leaders have ensured we will continue to grow thanks to the shipments that are being sold on the Pleasure Sector.”
“Human females you mean. Not shipments,” Hix replied, his voice hot with disappointment.
“It does not matter what is in those crates as long as it benefits our cause!”
With Traeger’s heated reply echoing in the hall, Hix felt his heart drop. “What is our cause exactly?”
“It is whatever our Prime leaders say it is,” Traeger immediately answered without pause.
“You sound like a mindless robot.” Hix shook his head in disbelief. “This is not why we left our Phaeton brothers.”
“I would be careful of the words said, Hix. The last thing you want is Kell and the other Verge Prime leaders doubting your loyalty.” Traeger shouldered his way past Hix, knocking him back slightly at the contact.
As Traeger’s boots scuffed heavily along the floor at his retreat, the sound echoed in the empty corridor. Hix could only stare at his old friend as he walked away, still reeling from the confrontation.
Warriors of Phaeton: Hix Page 3